THE FUSE

Msimango to leave Kaizer Chiefs, Phili to arrive as part of the deal?

29-year-old central defender Given Msimango looks set to leave the club. Despite initially being a key pillar of the side after signing in 2023, the ex-TS Galaxy man has become a fringe operator. Inacio Miguel and even the now-departed Aden McCarthy moved ahead of him in the pecking order. Injuries also haven’t helped. Meanwhile, another injury-ravaged player, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, could be earning a new deal.

“SABC Sport has established that defender Given Msimango is one of two players Kaizer Chiefs have offered, together with a cash payment, to Stellenbosch FC in an effort to secure the signing of highly rated winger Langelihle Phili,” reads part of a report by SABC Sport.

Chiefs’ signings so far

Khanyisa Mayo has signed permanently from CR Belouizdad for a reported fee close to R9.8 million following a prior loan spell. Adolf Mtasingwa is a 27-year-old defensive midfielder signed from Azam FC for an undisclosed fee, and the first Tanzanian player to join Amakhosi. Mtasingwa brings valuable experience, having spent six seasons in Scandinavia, playing in the Icelandic, Norwegian and Finnish leagues. He returned home in 2024 to help Azam FC finish third in the Tanzanian league last season. He is the vice-captain of his nation.

Central defender Thabo Moloisane brings PSL know-how after becoming a mainstay for an impressive Stellenbosch side. Moloisane can also operate at right back when needed. 28-year-old goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner joins from Sekhukhune to bolster Chiefs’ options between the sticks. The 1.87m-tall stopper has been capped by Bafana. Finally, Langelihle Phili brings electric pace and directness from wide areas. The 21-year-old is expected to officially arrive from Stellies with Msimango moving in the other direction.

In the comments sections on Facebook, there have been some scathing responses to the acquisition of Adolf Mtasingwa. Several supporters feel as though he’s not of the calibre required by the club. Meanwhile, Kabelo Nkgwesa was given a run-out in Chiefs’ first friendly match of the tour, a 1-1 draw against Scottish giants Rangers.

The new season is almost underway

Betway Premiership newcomers Kruger United, understandably, have been active in the transfer market. They’ve added several proven PSL players, including Fiacre Ntwari. Kruger United vs Chiefs kicks off on Saturday, 1 August at 20:15.