The highly anticipated 2025/26 Premier Soccer League transfer window has barely opened, and Kaizer Chiefs have already made a significant statement, confirming the arrival of two new players: versatile defender Nkanyiso Shinga and Portuguese striker Flávio Silva.
These initial acquisitions signal Amakhosi’s clear intent to bolster their squad as they prepare for a challenging season, which includes participation in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Read: PSL Unveils Dates for the Highly Anticipated 2025/26 Season
Portuguese Firepower: Flávio Silva Joins the Glamour Boys
Kaizer Chiefs have secured the services of Flávio Silva, a 29-year-old striker who joins from Indonesian side Persebaya Surabaya. Born in Guinea-Bissau but holding Portuguese citizenship, Silva is set to wear the number 77 jersey for Amakhosi.
The former Portugal U/19 international has been a prolific goalscorer, boasting over 30 goals in his recent professional career. He netted nine goals in 33 appearances for Persebaya Surabaya last season, and an impressive 23 goals for Persik Kediri in the season prior, where he was a Golden Boot runner-up.
Silva’s signing comes after weeks of speculation linking him to the Soweto giants. His unveiling is perfectly timed as the club prepares for their pre-season tour to the Netherlands, where they are scheduled to arrive on July 4th and depart on July 19th.
Fans will be eager to see if he features in their upcoming friendly matches against Dutch top-tier sides, which include encounters against SBV Vitesse Arnhem (July 8), FC Utrecht (July 11), NEC Nijmegen (July 12), PEC Zwolle (July 15), and FC Twente (July 16). The terms of his contract remain undisclosed.
European Experience for Amakhosi’s Defense: Nkanyiso Shinga Arrives
Joining Silva is 25-year-old defender Nkanyiso Shinga, who brings a wealth of European experience to the Chiefs’ backline. Primarily a left-back, Shinga is known for his versatility, capable of also playing in midfield and attack. He will don the number 74 jersey.
Shinga has spent a significant portion of his professional career in Portugal since 2015, playing for various teams. His recent clubs include Portuguese second-tier side Alverca, as well as CF Estrela Amadora, SC Covilhã, Vitória de Setúbal FC U23, CD Pinhalnovense, and Juventude Évora SC.
A product of the renowned KZN Academy, headed by veteran sports administrator Gugu Marawa, Shinga represents a blend of local talent developed with international exposure.
He is the second KZN Academy graduate to join the club, following Thabo Cele who arrived last season. Shinga has also represented junior national teams, including Amajimbos (South Africa U-17) and Amajita (South Africa U-20), and will undoubtedly be looking to use this move to Chiefs as a springboard to earn a spot in the senior Bafana Bafana setup.
Anticipation Builds for Pre-Season Showdown
With these two significant signings confirmed, Kaizer Chiefs are clearly signaling their ambitions for the new season. The club expects more additions in the coming weeks as they continue to build a squad capable of challenging for both domestic honors and a strong showing in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Chiefs fans might get their first glimpse of both Silva and Shinga when the club faces Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium on July 26.
This high-profile friendly will serve as an exciting precursor to the official start of the PSL season and an early opportunity for the new recruits to impress.