Chiefs’ fans show mixed feelings on new signings (Part 2)

Edmilson Dove of Kaizer Chiefs during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs

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.

Kamohelo Mahlatsi

Thando: It is tough to rate Mahlatsi because I believe he played only 5 minutes since the season has started, which is not good enough for me. One of the players to be released. 3/10

Ludidi: I hope he can get game time in the future and would love to see what he brings to Chiefs. 2/10

Khaya: He has never played much, and I need to see more of him in the Kaizer Chiefs’ jersey. 1/10

Average rating 6/30 or 20%

Kamohelo Mahlatsi of Kaizer Chiefs
Kamohelo Mahlatsi of Kaizer Chiefs during the 2022 MTN8 quarterfinal between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on 28 August 2022 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

 Siyethemba Sithebe

Thando: Sithebe started off well playing alongside Maart but has not done enough to start games for Chiefs. 5/10

Ludidi: I was expecting lot from him. I hope playing for Chiefs won’t affect him. He needs to be mentally strong 3/10

Khaya: In the first 6 games of the season, he was our most important player until Maart’s red card at home against Richards Bay. That’s when things started get difficult for him and the return of Blom made it hard for him to win back his confidence because together with Maart, they had formed a deadly combination. If only he could improve his final passes. 7/10

Average rating 15/30 or 50%

Siyethemba Sithebe
Siyethemba Sithebe of Kaizer Chiefs during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 game between Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs at Cape Town Stadium on 23 August 2022 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

 Edmilson Dove

Thando: Dove joined the team late and many including myself doubted his signing, but he has slotted in and fitted right in with our defense. He is very calm on the ball, has the pace to deal with balls played behind the defense, good passer of the ball and can run for 90 minutes. 6.5/10

Ludidi: I’m very impressed! I was surprised as to why Cape Town City allowed him to go, but he has been excellent for us. 7/10.

Khaya: Ever since he arrived, he made our defense solid. He has partnered well with Hlanti, providing balance on the left but we still need him to combine well with his center back partner in Zitha. 8/10

Average rating 21.5/30 or 72 %

Edmilson Dove of Kaizer Chiefs
Edmilson Dove of Kaizer Chiefs during the 2022 Macufe Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and Royal AM held at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on 25 September 2022 © Frikkie Kapp/BackpagePix

 Bonfils Caleb Bimenyimana

Thando: Caleb is one of the players that joined Chiefs late and struggled in his first two games and got frustrated. But after that he has been good for Chiefs and scored 6 goals in 6 league games. He’s tall but can play the ball on the ground. If he is consistent, he might score over 18 goals. 7/10

Ludidi: He has brought something in that number 9 role. For now, I’m happy. Question I have is, when he’s not available, who can help us? 5/10

Khaya: I don’t have much to say about Caleb and the number of goals he has scored will not buy me to say something good or bad about him. I can say ANGIKABONI LUTHO [I have not seen anything]. I will not rate him. His positioning has been poor but let’s give him 15 games before I can give proper feedback about his contribution. He only scored on 2 goals and the rest were penalties; Now what can we say about that?  

Average rating 12/20 or 40%

Caleb Bimenyimana of Kaizer Chiefs celebrates his goal during the DStv Premiership 2022/23
Caleb Bimenyimana of Kaizer Chiefs celebrates his goal during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 game between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs at Cape Town Stadium in Stellenbsoch on 9 October 2022 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix