Kaizer Chiefs have surged to the top of the PSL standings following back-to-back victories, marking a sharp turnaround from last season’s ninth-place finish in the Betway Premiership.
That slump was largely due to their lackluster attack, and the club is now making aggressive moves to rebuild its frontline before the transfer window closes.
Despite having a roster of forwards—Ranga Chivaviro, Ashley Du Preez, Tashreeq Morris, and Wandile Duba—none managed to reach double figures in goals last season, underscoring the urgent need for a clinical finisher.
To address this, Chiefs have already secured the services of Portuguese striker Flavio Silva. At 29, Silva arrives with expectations to deliver immediately—something previous signings like Lazarous Kambole, Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana, and Chivaviro struggled to achieve.
That in mind, here are five forwards that could fill the void at Naturena:
Zakhele Lepasa
Zakhele Lepasa’s situation is intriguing. The former Orlando Pirates striker is now a free agent after his release from the club. His departure followed a season where he didn’t make a single appearance due to injury, but he had a stellar start to the 2023/24 season, scoring nine goals across all competitions before the end of August!
He is currently with the national team, using the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament as a platform to showcase his form and find a new club. Lepasa is a proven goalscorer at the domestic level, and his impressive performances for the Bafana Bafana, including a winning goal against Morocco in an AFCON qualifier, demonstrate his ability to perform on big occasions.
His history with Pirates and the fact that he scored the winning goal against Chiefs in the 2018/19 Nedbank Cup final could add an interesting layer to any potential transfer.
Peter Shalulile
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile is the most high-profile name linked with a transfer. The Namibian international, a proven goal machine and multiple title winner, is attracting interest from clubs in North Africa, the Persian Gulf, and Sudan.
While his contract with Sundowns reportedly ended at the close of last season, the club is believed to have activated a one-year option, meaning any potential suitor must now pay a transfer fee. It’s been reported by FARPost that Tunisian giants Esperance have offered R13 million, with Sundowns holding out for R16 million.
Shalulile is reportedly pushing for a lower transfer fee to secure a more lucrative personal contract with Esperance. His future at Sundowns seems uncertain, as he was recently left out of a pre-season match and the MTN8 quarterfinal. While his coach, Miguel Cardoso, has publicly stated Shalulile is “heart and soul” with the team, these actions have fueled speculation that a move could be imminent.
Dženan Zajmovic
The Belgian-Bosnian striker had a strong season with TS Galaxy, scoring 11 goals and providing two assists in 28 appearances. Despite being the club’s top scorer and helping them to a record fifth-place finish, Zajmovic recently became a free agent after his contract was terminated a year early.
In an interview with SoccerBeat, Zajmovic shared his bewilderment regarding the lack of interest from big clubs like Kaizer Chiefs. “I had a good season, a solid season,” he said. “I don’t know what to say. It’s strange. I don’t know why.” Though Chiefs ultimately signed Flavio Silva, Zajmovic’s impressive performance makes him a player to watch.
Luke Baartman
Baartman is a young striker who has been linked with the Chiefs. While he is a prospect for the future, he represents a different approach to the club’s rebuild. Signing a young, talented striker would be a long-term investment, and Baartman’s potential could be a significant asset to the team.
At just 19 years old, Baartman is one of the brightest prospects from Cape Town Spurs’ development system. He made a memorable senior debut by scoring against Kaizer Chiefs in the then-DStv Premiership.
Despite Spurs’ relegation from the top flight, Baartman was a shining light, netting twice in just 10 appearances. His impressive performances at such a young age make him an attractive option for professional clubs looking to invest in youth.
Samir Nurkovic
Finally, there is the familiar face of Samir Nurkovic. The Serbian striker, last seen at the now defunct SuperSport United, recently proved he still has what it takes to deliver when it matters the most.
Nurkovic’s time in the South African topflight has been eventful, including a successful spell at Chiefs, a controversial move to Royal AM that led to a legal battle, and a resurgence at TS Galaxy. Matsantsatsa announced his signing on a one-and-a-half-year deal in November 2024, which means he may not be a free agent.
Now 33, Nurkovic recently reminded his former club of his scoring prowess by netting a goal and delivering an assist in their 4-1 demolition of Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium earlier this year.