MISTERY: HAS BONGANI SAM LEFT KAIZER CHIEFS?

Former Orlando Pirates defender Bongani Sam joins Kaizer 

Bongani Sam’s Kaizer Chiefs future seems shrouded in mystery with no clarity from any parties. Did he make a deadline-day move?

OWEN DA GAMA COY ON SAM SIGNING

Magesi coach Owen Da Gama has confirmed his interest in Kaizer Chiefs left-back Bongani Sam but still hasn’t clarified whether a move went through. It’s a case of ‘watch this space’ in the coming days.

“I cannot reveal that because there’s a lot of negotiations carrying on,” said Da Gama

“And they’re trying to finalize the issues. So how quickly they’ll be able to do that, and whether they can do that, it’s a very difficult question to answer.”

CONFIRMED ARRIVALS AT KAIZER CHIEFS

27-year-old Glody Lilepo arrives to bring versatility and a surprise factor to the Chiefs attack. 30-year-old Tashreeq Morris brings experience and physicality up front after leaving SuperSport, while Thabo Cele’s midfield mastery should take the Chiefs engine room to the next level. The 27-year-old has five Bafana caps and has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The Kaizer Chiefs Naturena Village in all its glory. Image: Ernest Makhaya

CONFIRMED EXITS

Utility attacker Christian Saile has joined SuperSport on loan while playmaker Mduduzi Mdantsane will spend the remainder of the campaign on loan with Richards Bay. Chiefs are yet to confirm Sam’s exit on loan to Magesi.

WILL ANY OF CHIEFS’ NEW PLAYERS FACE ORLANDO PIRATES?

Cele is severely lacking match sharpness after playing his last competitive outing in November. He’ll need a couple of weeks to accustom himself to the pace of South African football. Meanwhile, Morris is suspended after a dismissal in his last match for SuperSport. He sat out the Free Agents clash in the Nedbank Cup and must sit out one more match. Glody Lilepo has the best chance of the three to start the Soweto Derby but that hinges on the Congolese star getting a work permit approved.

Soweto Derby H2H stats favour the Buccaneers

Pirates have held the upper hand in recent meetings between these great rivals. The Buccaneers have won the last three meetings across all competitions, including each of the last two in the league, most recently that 3-2 success for the Sea Robbers in March 2024 with Monnapule Saleng bagging a double. That stopped a curious and somewhat surprising run of five consecutive wins for Chiefs in Soweto Derby league clashes with the Sea Robbers. These rivals lock horns again on Saturday 01 February at Orlando Stadium from 15:30.

Derby Day. Enough said. Image: Orlando Pirates website

- James Freemantle