Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa was near the gate at Naturena. but things change very quickly in football.

Kaizer Chiefs supporters followed the reports. Sibongiseni Mthethwa was not in coach Nasreddine Nabi’s plans, and could have left in September if Stellenbosch FC and AmaZulu did not say no to signing him on loan.

SIBONGISENI MTHETHWA IMPRESSES NASREDDINE NABI

The 29-year-old midfielder suddenly made a surprise start against Richards Bay before another start against Royal AM in the same week. Kaizer Chiefs coach Nabi later admitted that Mthethwa has fought to show his qualities.

“I think this time “Ox” [Sibongiseni Mthethwa] understands his role. We worked together on his negative points,” said Nabi via FARPost.

“’Ox’ worked hard to improve the negative points. If he works hard, he will progress. He took his chance and worked for his chance. Same with all players. I congratulate Ox for his performance.”

WHEN IS THE NEXT BETWAY PREMIERSHIP MATCH

Kaizer Chiefs’ 2-2 draw with Royal AM in Polokwane has been forgotten. When is the next match in the Betway Premiership?

Kaizer Chiefs looked to be cruising past Royal AM with a 2-0 lead at half-time last Saturday before collapsing in the second half.

Amakhosi took the lead through Ashley Du Preez in the third minute before Wandile Duba made it 2-0 after 13 minutes. The rest of the game saw Kaizer Chiefs waste a handful of opportunities before Royal AM came back in the second half with two goals.

The result left the Glamour Boys in fifth place rather than a climb to third place.

According to the Premier Soccer League, Kaizer Chiefs’ next game will be another trip to Limpopo’s Peter Mokaba Stadium to take on Polokwane City on Sunday, 8 December at 15:30.

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Kaizer Chiefs to sign these THREE midfielders

Another star schemer is wanted at Naturena.

Kaizer Chiefs have several marquee names on their Christmas wish list and there’s a brand new midfielder at the top of the pile. They’re also preparing for a clash with Polokwane.

A new midfielder on the Chiefs shopping list

Amakhosi fans love to dream around Christmas time as the club is linked with several shiny new players. Foremost among those are three midfielders of different profiles. The South African’s Siseko Gwegwe has spotted interest in the versatile schemer Agee Basiala Amongo. According to KickOff, Amakhosi scouts were at the Loftus Versfeld last week to watch Union Maniema take on Mamelodi Sundowns. They were having a closer look at the 25-year-old Congolese star.

Velvet and steel have already been linked

You can’t have one without the other in a midfield unit. Chiefs are looking at the flamboyant, creative, goal-scoring playmaker Feisal Salum currently plying his trade for Azam FC. The Tanzanian star has helped his side to qualify for Afcon 2025. He scored a stunning 19 goals from midfield last season and already has nine in 2024-2025. He could command a fee as large as R15 million with a staggering salary of R222k a month. According to The Citizen, Amakhosi have the funds to out-bid Azam and offer him improved terms. However, the Chiefs face a tough stage of negotiations if they want to lure the midfielder away from his homeland.

Cele could bring some foreign experience

Meanwhile, enforcer Thabo Cele is reportedly homesick and keen on a return to South Africa after a spell in Russia with Fakel Voronezh. The enforcer has made 27 appearances for Fakel since moving there in August 2023 from Polish side Radomiak. Cele only has five South African caps under his belt after making a debut in 2017 under former Chiefs boss Stuart Baxter. Around R10 million would be enough to secure the player, should he be open to the move.

Next five fixtures

After a disappointing 2-2 draw with Royal AM after holding a 2-0 lead, Amakhosi will be a bit deflated. Here’s what’s in store for Nabi’s side in the coming weeks, with Thatayaone Ditlhokwe hoping to play some part. The 26-year-old has helped steer his nation Botswana to Afcon 2025 in Morocco, their first participation at the showpiece in 12 years and only the second in their history.

• Polokwane City vs Chiefs, Sun 08 Dec, 15:30
• TS Galaxy vs Chiefs, Mon 16 Dec, 15:30
• Chiefs vs Chippa, Sun 29 Dec, 17:30
• Cape Town City vs Chiefs, 05 Jan, 17:30
• Chiefs vs Stellenbosch, 08 Jan, 19:30