Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly identified the position they want to fill with their new signing and it is sure to excite their fans, if the rumours prove to be true.
According to the latest reports, are looking to sign a number 10, who not only plays the role of a playmaker, but who can also take up the jersey that was vacated by Siphelele Ntshangase upon his release from the club before the end of the previous season.
Ntshangase the last occupant of the jersey
Ntshangase was given the number 10 jersey with high hopes that the mercurial midfielder would live up to his potential and match the lofty expectations that came with his move to Chiefs.
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However, Ntshangase never kicked on at Chiefs after a very slow start, joining the club from Baroka in the 2018 January transfer window, but he joined fresh from an injury which then saw him struggle to gain match fitness and rhythm. Perhaps it also didn’t help matters that he was deployed in an unfamiliar holding role during his early days at Chiefs, with the defensive side of the game not known to be his biggest strength.
It didn’t work out for him at Chiefs
Ntshangase was eventually released, bringing an end to a miserable and forgettable spell at Chiefs for “Stash” as he is affectionately known. It is now expected that, having had their transfer ban lifted, Chiefs are targeting the signing of a playmaker to wear that famous number 10 jersey at the club.
Amakhosi are now scouring the market for a new number 10
Chiefs have already dipped into the market and seen five new players sign for the club, as well as recalling academy product Given Thibedi from his very effective two season loan at Swallows FC. However, neither he or his former Swallows teammate and new Chiefs signing Sekgota are likely to be given the jersey.
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Reports also don’t believe that Chiefs want to place the pressures of the jersey on young playmaker Nkosingiphile Ngcobo who played that role well for the club in his breakthrough season from the reserve side. It is believed that Chiefs have a preference of giving that jersey to an established player whose experience will mean he won’t be fazed by the daunting task it comes with.
A source speaking to The Citizen has spoken about Chiefs plans for that position and jersey.
A source weighs in
“Even the No.10 jersey is help on high esteem in the team. They don’t give it to anyone. Ntshangase was highly rated when he joined and that’s why her was handed the number. Now that he is gone, the club are still looking for someone to take the role.
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“It is not only about carrying the number at the back, but also about carrying the team on the field. They have considered Khanyisa Mayo, but he is still young and has not been tested at the high level. (Nkosingiphile) Ngcobo has also been considered but they don’t want to add more pressure on him,” said the source.
Potential candidates for Chiefs jersey 10
According to the same publication Chiefs could turn to former midfielders Hendrick Ekstein and Keagan Buchanan to fill the void and the jersey. Both players were fan favourites at the club who never seemed to fulfil their potential at the Glamour Boys. However, both of them have not stopped being linked to a return to the club.
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It remains to be seen if either one of Ekstein and Buchanan are actual Chiefs targets, but early signs seem to suggest that they might not be. Both midfielders are currently free agents which would mean Chiefs would not struggle to secure their signatures. Chiefs have already announced a whole host of free agents without those two players making the list, so that might be hint enough that they might not get a fairytale return to Naturena.
