Junior Mendieta, Shandre Campbell, Khanyisa Mayo, and more game-changers who can turn around Kaizer Chiefs
The Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns both welcomed new players, however the Chiefs decided not to seek any more players for the rest of the 2023–2024 campaign.
Cavin Johnson, the interim head coach, stated that he wanted to improve the present team, but the Chiefs’ lack of depth is obvious, which accounts for their uneven results.
In light of the pressing need for reinforcements, GOAL looks at players who have the ability to turn around the Glamour Boys’ situation.
Destroy the bank
After moving from Stellenbosch to Mamelodi Sundowns in July 2023, Junior Mendieta has found it difficult to get consistent playing time with the Brazilian team.
There is conjecture that the South American might be looking to relocate for a loan. In the event that this happens, Mendieta’s previous connections to the Naturena-based club before joining Sundowns could put Amakhosi in a strong position.
Still, it’s unclear if Sundowns would be open to lending Mendieta to the Chiefs. If not, given South American’s current contract expires in June 2026, Amakhosi might have to consider breaking the bank in order to negotiate a transfer.
Shandre Campbell of SuperSport United has emerged as a prominent character in domestic football, drawing attention from other league clubs as well as fans and commentators.
SuperSport CEO Stanley Matthews had previously intimated that Campbell was not available for a local move, but past transactions involving SuperSport and their Tshwane rivals, Sundowns, have demonstrated that conversations may happen when the appropriate offer comes along.
Do whatever is necessary.
Khanyisa Mayo, the team’s best striker, has a high price tag—approximately R38 million—set by Cape Town City manager John Comitis. This presents a big hurdle for Chiefs’ management if they are serious about changing the club.
Mayo is an important player that might significantly improve the offensive powers of the Chiefs due to his versatility in a variety of attacking situations, including leading the frontline and acting as a second striker, winger, or even a playmaker. The Chiefs would have to use every tactic at their disposal to persuade the player to join them given their current situation.
Iqraam Rayners of Stellenbosch is another accomplished striker who might contribute greatly to Chiefs’ goal-scoring ability. In the Premier Soccer League, the 28-year-old has already scored seven goals, demonstrating his worth to the Cape Winelands team.
In addition to his ability to score goals, Rayners can also be a creative player who assists teammates, which might be advantageous when paired with Ashley Du Preez, his former teammate.
Long-term investment
Oswin Appollis, a 22-year-old from Polokwane City, has shown promise both for his club and the Bafana Bafana national squad.
Young players like him are attempting to make a name for themselves at elite clubs in the highly competitive PSL. If Appollis were to join Amakhosi, he would surely be excited to fly the club’s flag high and represent them with distinction.
Experience is essential.
The left-back position at Chiefs has come under scrutiny because Edmilson Dove frequently plays left center-back, Sifiso Hlanti is a first-choice left-back but doesn’t really contribute, and Happy Mashiane is still getting used to his rhythm.
Fawaaz Basadien of Stellenbosch, who was previously connected to the Chiefs, seems like a great fit to strengthen the team’s defensive line.
His skill on the left side, at 27, provides the squad both defensive stability and increased offensive capability.