A transfer ban could be a blessing in disguise for Kaizer Chiefs

It is no secret that Kaizer Chiefs have had more misses than hits when it comes to their transfer dealings in the past four seasons. In fact, one might even go as far as saying what used to be a preferred destination for players in South Africa and Africa has now fallen out of the upper echelons of transfer dealings.

Of course, one may argue and point out to players such as Khama Billiat who have joined the club in recent times. But the reality is more players have declined or opted for moves elsewhere rather than joining the glamour boys.

As a result of desperately trying to bring Dax to the club, Chiefs now face the possibility of not buying any new players for the next transfer windows – July/August 2020 and January 2021 – unless their pending appeal proves to be successful.

Now, this isn’t supposed to be all doom and gloom for the Chiefs fans, because they have seemingly steadied the ship and are no longer a club in decline when it comes to the footballing side of things. So where are the positives to be found in this conundrum, you ask?

1. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo (20)

Arguably the most talented footballer to be produced by the Kaizer Chiefs youth set up in recent times. Ngcobo has been a first team player since the 2017/18 season and only has three appearances to show for it. His progress was definitely hampered by a long term injury which he suffered during the 2018/20 season. If given an opportunity, the young attacking midfielder has showed that he can deliver the goods.

2. Njabulo Blom (20)

A right back, centre back and central midfielder. The 20 year old has played only four teams for the senior team, and it was against Mamelodi Sundowns where he showed that he has what it takes to compete with the best in the land. The departure of George Maluleka should give him an opportunity to compete for a spot in midfield since Reeve Frosler is not prepared to relinquish the right back position.

3. Given Thibedi (22)

Currently on loan at Swallows FC in the GladAfrica Championship. Thibedi can play as a defensive midfielder as well as an attacking midfielder. He has the confidence and arrogance that is needed for one to play for a club like Kaizer Chiefs.

4. Itumeleng Shopane (23)

Is he a striker or a right full back? Well, he is both. Itumeleng Shopane can be another outlet for Kaizer Chiefs upfront. Though he is not the most prolific as the main striker, it is when he is being played as second striker where he can do a lot of damage.

5. Happy Mashiane (22)

With age no longer being on Benard Parker side, Happy Mashiane could be the go to guy for Kaizer Chiefs if they find themselves being in need of a left midfielder or left winger. He has been a first team player since the 2018/19 season and can also play at left back.

Not being able to sign players means the club will need to trust some of the younger talents that have been mentioned above. In their few appearances at the club or out on loan, they have all impressed and should see more regular game time next season. What is promising about the players mentioned above is their versatility. That should give them an edge ahead of the already seasoned campaigners who are part of their first team.

Maybe closing their bank account for two windows won’t be the worst thing to ever happen to Kaizer Chiefs. It will simply mean that the club won’t be tempted to go look for players elsewhere and find themselves in this position once again. In fact, it will give Walter Steenbok and the scouting department at the club an opportunity to look at a few of their targets and follow them for some time before making any hasty signing.

A pattern has also emerged at Chiefs in recent times, and that is the mismanagement of talented players who could have went on an be starters at the club if they were allowed to grow as football players. Kaizer Chiefs has in recent times loaned out players and discarded them after that: Yusuf Bunting and Emmanuel Letlotlo are just the perfect examples of how Chiefs have mismanaged some of these young lads.

A transfer ban will definitely give these academy graduates an opportunity to increase their game time at the club and be starters in not just cup competitions but in the Absa Premiership as well. This is something that academy graduates are struggling to do at the moment because the expectations are high at the club and there’s a desire for the club to return to its ways of winning trophies.

If Midderndorp is not going to be kept by Chiefs, then this sort of restriction will give them ample time to go back to the Kaizer Chiefs way of playing. But this time, they will have to do it with players who grew up at the club and not the players who were developed elsewhere.

One thing is for sure though, and that is whoever it is that is going to be in charge of Kaizer Chiefs during the 2020/21 Absa Premiership will have his work cut out. He will be tasked with ensuring that these youngsters are taken care of and are given an opportunity to prove themselves on the field of play. Lastly, he should be given the autonomy to decide who stays and leaves.