Get the latest Chiefs news sent to your phone. SMSs cost R1.50.
As per usual, every PSL player in half-decent form has been linked with an off-season move to Naturena, but it’s worthwhile to rather look at what is currently at their disposal and who might be on their way out.
One thing which has been crystal clear this season is that coach Stuart Baxter has his core group of players.
In the goalkeeping department there is Brilliant Khuzwayo and Itumeleng Khune, though his contract situation will surely make for some interesting reading in the next few months.
The back-four of Siboniso Gaxa, Mulomowandau Mathoho, Tefu Mashamaite and Tsepo Masilela pick themselves, while midfielders Willard Katsande, George Maluleka, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala, George Lebese and Mandla Masango have all done the job this season.
Up-front is where the the biggest problem is. Bernard Parker is as reliable as ever, but since the departure of Kingston Nkhatha in January, Baxter has still not been able to find a settled combination.
So with the exception of another striker, Baxter has a fairly settled core of players that he chooses from. The problem is the support staff…
Morgan Gould has been a shadow of his former self when he has been called upon this season, and there are strong suggestions that he might head off to Bidvest Wits when his contract expires in June.
Lorenzo Gordinho has made just one appearance all season, in the Nedbank Cup, and is still massively inexperienced, as are Zitha Macheke (no games), Kgotso Moleko (5 starts) and Simphiwe Mtsweni (2 Nedbank Cup appearances).
Baxter will count his lucky stars that his first-choice back-four have managed to steer clear of major injury this season…
Midfield looks a lot more solid, with the above-mentioned six backed up by Ivan Bukenya (who has looked solid whenever called upon) and the exciting but inexperienced Hendrick Ekstein.
However, Zimbabwean Ovidy Karuru has not yet found his feet at Naturena, while Chiefs are also set to part ways with two veteran midfielders in Siyabonga Nkosi and Josta Dladla, both whose contracts expire in June.
Also, Levy Mokgothu has not played one minute for Chiefs since joining from Moroka Swallows at the start of the season – and is unlikely to do so – while Phakamani Mngadi has but one sub appearance during his loan spell from AS Eupen in Belgium.
Up-front is the big problem though. Baxter has tried both Matthew Rusike and Siphelele Mthembu in Nkhatha’s position, without too much success.
Katlego Mphela has been plagued by injuries and has started just three matches this season, while David Zulu … well, the coach seemingly has very little faith in his abilities as he has barely gotten a look-in since his ‘big move’ from Chippa United.
There is a train of thought (true or otherwise) amongst some fans that Chiefs don’t like to spend big money on players – the classic 'buy one, get one free' joke still does the rounds.
But looking at the squad as it is, Bobby Motaung will need to get out the cheque-book and sign some players to supplement the squad – and make sure that those first-team regulars who have not yet penned new contract do so ASAP.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Who should Chiefs sign or let go?