Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi admitted the squad is larger than he would like, and loan moves are anticipated before the transfer window deadline day, Monday, 22 September, at midnight.
The Tunisian tactician said that he is working closely with management to find minutes for inconsistent players and emerging youngsters.
Now the big question: which Kaizer Chiefs players could be packing their bags for loan moves?
KAIZER CHIEFS PLAYERS EXPECTED TO LEAVE ON LOAN
Samkelo Zwane (23) – Defensive midfielder
A popular Amakhosi development graduate, Zwane looked like the next big thing when he broke through under former coach Arthur Zwane in 2023. He already has 36 senior games to his name, but last season he faded into a bit-part role with just 13 outings, mainly off the bench. This season? Not even a place on the bench after six games, a clear sign a loan could be his lifeline.
Happy Mashiane (27) – Left back
Once tipped for big things, Mashiane has seen his role shrink to almost nothing at Naturena. He managed only nine substitute appearances last term and hasn’t come near the 20-man matchday squad this season. A fresh start is due. Rumours have linked the Tembisa-born star with Durban City FC and Stellenbosch FC.
Donay Jansen (22) – Winger
Football runs in his blood, he’s the nephew of club legend Bernard Parker. But his loan spell at SuperSport United last season was a letdown, with just three appearances. Coach Nabi had hoped for more development, and another loan might be the best chance for him to get consistent senior minutes.
Bontle Molefe (22) – Goalkeeper
A highly regarded shot-stopper who has been training with the first team for three years but still waiting for his senior debut. With Bruce Bvuma, Brandon Petersen, and Fiacre Ntwari ahead of him, Molefe needs regular football elsewhere to grow and prove his quality.
Thulani Mabaso (19) – Central midfielder
The midfield maestro who led Kaizer Chiefs’ reserves to DStv Diski Challenge glory is on the cusp of something big. He trained with the seniors in the Netherlands during pre-season but hasn’t debuted yet. A loan could be his stepping stone.
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Tashreeq Morris (31) – Striker
Signed in January as an emergency solution from SuperSport United, Morris was brought in as the team lacked a traditional target man to fit coach Nabi’s tactical style. While he has the physical presence, his technical ability has struggled to match the demands of the Kaizer Chiefs jersey, and injuries haven’t helped his cause. So far, he remains goalless in 10 appearances. With Flavio da Silva and Etiosa Ighodaro recently added, both sharing a similar profile but offering better ball skills, Morris looks set for a loan move. His former SuperSport coach, Gavin Hunt, is keen to bring Morris on loan to Durban City FC.
Kabelo Nkgwesa (19) – Left back
Another reserve-team star, Nkgwesa is battling a traffic jam of left-backs in the senior squad. Paseka Mako, Nkanyiso Shinga, Bradley Cross, and Mashiane are all ahead of him. No surprise he hasn’t made the 20-man squad this season. A loan would give him the game time his development demands.
Naledi Hlongwane (19), Striker
Another newly promoted talent from the reserve team, Hlongwane got his first taste of Betway Premiership action in the opening match against Stellenbosch FC due to injuries and registration delays among Kaizer Chiefs’ senior strikers. While he looked promising upfront, he hasn’t been given another opportunity since.
A season on loan could be just what these players need to sharpen their skills, gain confidence, and come back ready to shake up Nab’s team.
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