Still Cooking: Kaizer Chiefs Bolster Squad with Ex-Pirates Duo Ahead of Netherlands Tour

Still Cooking: Kaizer Chiefs Bolster Squad with Ex-Pirates Duo Ahead of Netherlands Tour

Kaizer Chiefs have wasted no time in strengthening their squad for the demanding 2025/26 season, announcing several key acquisitions, including two former Orlando Pirates fan favorites.

The Nedbank Cup champions are eyeing success not only domestically but also in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup qualifying rounds, a challenge that necessitates significant squad depth and quality.

Read: Former Orlando Pirates Striker Joins Scottland FC

As the Amakhosi contingent jets off to the Netherlands for their crucial pre-season tour, Kaizer Chiefs confirmed the highly anticipated arrivals of Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako, both recently released by fierce Soweto rivals, Orlando Pirates. Pirates opted not to renew the contracts of the defensive duo at the close of the past season, paving the way for their move to Naturena.

Thabiso Monyane, a 25-year-old right-back, brings a winning pedigree to Amakhosi. During his successful stint at Pirates, he amassed an impressive collection of silverware, including four MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups. He featured in 95 matches for the Buccaneers, contributing four goals and three assists, with 12 appearances in the recent past season.

Chiefs officially welcomed Monyane, stating: “Player Announcements! We are pleased to announce the signing of right-back Thabiso Monyane, previously with Orlando Pirates! He will don jersey #2. Welcome to the Family.”

Joining him is Paseka Mako, a 31-year-old left-wingback, who arrived at Pirates from Chippa United before the 2018/19 season. Like Monyane, Mako also boasts four MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups. His contributions also extended to helping Pirates secure a league runner-up finish on four occasions during his tenure.

Mako made a substantial 173 appearances for Pirates, netting two goals and providing eight assists. Chiefs announced his signing via an X Space: “We are pleased to announce the signing of left-wingback Paseka Mako, previously with Orlando Pirates. He will don jersey #29. Welcome to the Family.”

In addition to the former Pirates pair, Amakhosi have also unveiled three international talents: attacking midfielder Ethan Chislett, left-back Nkanyiso Shinga, and Portuguese striker Flavio Silva. These three players, all joining from overseas clubs, will use the upcoming friendly fixtures in the Netherlands to integrate with the squad and acclimatize themselves for the challenges of the new season.

Ethan Chislett, a 26-year-old attacking midfielder, arrives from English League Two side Port Vale, where he made 28 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing one assist.


Nkanyiso Shinga, 25, joins from Liga Portugal 2 club Alverca. He featured 22 times last season, primarily operating at left-back but also occasionally deployed as a left midfielder.


Gambian-born striker Flavio Silva rounds out the initial international contingent, having scored nine goals and provided two assists in 33 games for Liga 1 Indonesia team Mafra during the 2024/25 season.

 

The pre-season tour of the Netherlands will provide Kaizer Chiefs with valuable competitive minutes against several Dutch clubs, offering an excellent opportunity to fine-tune tactics and build team cohesion.

SBV Vitesse Arnhem – July 8
Kaizer Chiefs will kick off their tour against SBV Vitesse Arnhem, a club that endured a challenging 2024/25 season in the Eerste Divisie. Vitesse faced significant financial difficulties, resulting in a crippling 39-point deduction from the KNVB, which saw them finish at the bottom of the table. Despite their recent struggles, the club has received a lifeline with a local consortium, ‘De Sterkhouders Vitesse Arnhem,’ acquiring shares and reaching an agreement to take over the remaining 75.1%. Vitesse has already made four new signings – midfielders Ricardo-Felipe Shcwarz, Moustafa Moustafa, and defenders Hugo Lacroix and Valon Zumberi – as they prepare for the new season. Keep an eye on their key player, Miliano Jonathans.

FC Utrecht – July 11
Next up for the Amakhosi are FC Utrecht, who enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, securing the final European qualifying spot after a fourth-place finish in the Eredivisie. Utrecht has been active in the transfer market, making seven new signings as they gear up for their maiden participation in the Europa Conference League. Their star player to watch is Miguel Rodriguez.

NEC Nijmegen – July 12
Kaizer Chiefs will then face NEC Nijmegen, who finished eighth in the Eredivisie table last season under manager Rogier Meijer. Club chairman Ron von Oijen has overseen the acquisition of six new players ahead of their pre-season matches, including the experienced 33-year-old former Newcastle United left-back Jetro Willems. Their star player is Rito van Crooij.

PEC Zwolle – July 15
The tour continues with a match against PEC Zwolle, who ended last season in tenth position in the top-flight Dutch league, an improvement from their 12th-place finish in the 2023/24 season. Zwolle has bolstered their squad by signing wingers Dylan Mbayo and Braydon Manu, attacking midfielder Mohamed Oukhattou, and Danish defender Simon Graves in preparation for the new campaign. Their star player is Dylan Vente.

FC Twente – July 16
The final confirmed fixture for Kaizer Chiefs in the Netherlands is against FC Twente. Twente had a somewhat disappointing 2024/25 season, finishing in sixth position after securing third place in the previous campaign. The Enschede-based outfit has made six relatively low-profile signings during the current transfer window, but they have notably sold star attacking midfielder Sam Sjein to Feyenoord. Their key player is Michel Vlap.