IN THROUGH THE OUTDOOR

Kaizer Chiefs' decline in fortunes can be directly linked to their transfer dealings in the last seven years.

- Mazola Molefe

It is no coincidence that Kaizer Chiefs' record barren run of trophies in the past seven years has been directly linked to the club's transfer activity. A decade ago, there were already some signs that their Premier Soccer League rivals were beginning to beat them to the signatures of some of the best players in the market - and the 2022/23 season has been no different.

Teboho Mokoena, Bongani Zungu, Sipho Mbule... Chiefs were always in the running, but never really close to getting over the line first.

With the club's sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jnr taking a hands-on approach from a year ago, it is evident that there is a clear intention to go for the crème de la crème.

Most notable is the arrival of Keagan Dolly as a free agent from French side Montpellier, as well as the huge shopping spree that has yielded Ashley Du Preez, Zitha Kwinika, Yusuf Maart, Dillan Solomons and George Matlou.

But at the same time, the Glamour Boys terminated the contract of junior international Sibusiso Mabiliso after one year several weeks after the decision not to offer Samir Nurković, Kearyn Baccus and Lazarous Kambole new deals.