We decided at ThisIsFootball.Africa to use the world cup break to evaluate Kaizer Chiefs new signings performances so far this season. We decided to ask the people who matter most, the fans. We spoke to three online figures, who are well known on twitter spaces and have been very vocal about the Kaizer Chiefs transfer business since the beginning of the season. What is very clear from their feedback is that their feelings on the new Chiefs signings are clearly mixed.
Thando Nogampulo, Khaya Nene and Siya Ludidi shared their feelings on the new recruits.
Yusuf Maart
Thando: Maart has been very solid for the team going forward and making Chiefs play. But he still needs to improve on his off the ball movement. 7/10
Ludidi: He did bring that stability to the midfield, but he can do more. I’m happy. 6/10
Khaya: Maart played well when he played with Sithebe in the middle. Although, both failed to create sufficient scoring chances. Chiefs needed a number 10, more like Matlou and Dolly who can make threatening final passes. He solves our midfield problem, especially since the return of Njabulo Blom whom helps him to play in his preferred central midfield position. 8/10
Average Rating 21/30 or 70%
Ashley Du Preez
Thando: Du Preez started off slowly but eventually he came to the party. But he misses a lot of chances. 5/10
Ludidi: Ashley keeps on missing those one on ones. All that he needs is to work on taking those chances. 4/10
Khaya: He adds a little bit of speed to our front line, but he is not improving as a player. So far, I think the style of play is not suiting him well. We made a good signing in him, and I still want to see more from him. One goal is not enough. I looked at him in the last game we played in the Beer Cup, and he is improving, especially in his one-on-one situations. Maybe this small break will be enough for him to improve more. 7/10
Average Rating 16/30 or 53%
Zitha Kwinika
Thando: Zitha is very solid for us in our defense and has managed to form a formidable partnership with Dove. 6/10
Ludidi: Zitha came to solve the center back position and again I was expecting lot from him. He has made mistakes but needs to command his backline more or he will find himself out. 4/10
Khaya: – Coach Arthur Zwane must take him back to his right back position. Then maybe we can see the best of Zitha. He played 12 league games, kwangena [we conceded] 17 goals ekhona [with him]. I am not happy. He is not solving our problems at the back, and with those goals we conceded, he has contributed with his mistakes at the back. Zitha is not our solution at the back. 4/10
Average rating 14/30 or 47%
Dillon Solomons
Thando: Dillon is good defensively and has great pace. He needs to work on his decision making when going forward. 5/10
Ludidi: He needs to trust himself 4/10
Khaya: I don’t like him, but sometimes he helps us with his speed against speedy wingers like Saleng. Other than that, I don’t see his job in our team because if we are attacking, he gives us nothing. His crosses are not good. If he gets five balls to cross, all those balls will go out for a goal kick. He is good on ball recoveries, a good attribute for a defender. 7/10
Average rating 16/30 or 53%
George Matlou
Thando: George has not played a lot and when he has played, he only plays for 15 minutes. If I were to release players now, he’d be one of them. 4/10
Ludidi: He has his moments, but he needs to man up. You can’t have one good game after disappearing for four games. 3/10
Khaya: I still want to see more from him because he can control the tempo of the game. He played six games in the league, and two in the MTN 8 and contributed one assist. Although he has never played in his preferred position of attacking center of the midfield. 6/10
Average rating 13/30 or 43%
