Chiefs in danger of losing club academy stars as Nabi wields axe

Kaizer Chiefs’ busy transfer window has signaled ambition, but it also threatens to come at a cost: the possible displacement of the very academy graduates that have carried the club through difficult years.

Amakhosi have added over 10 new faces to strengthen a squad preparing for a taxing season on multiple fronts. 

With the Betway Premiership, the CAF Confederation Cup, the Carling Knockout Cup and the defence of their Nedbank Cup trophy, depth has become non-negotiable. 

Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, Nkanyiso Shinga, Ethan Chislett, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Lebohang Maboe, Asanele Velebayi, Luke Baartman, Flavio da Silva, Etiosa Ighodaro and, most recently, Khanyisa Mayo, have all arrived at Naturena.

The influx has swollen Chiefs’ squad to around 40 players — a figure head coach Nasreddine Nabi has already admitted is unsustainable. 

With the transfer window still open, he has made it clear that more departures are expected as he trims his roster to a manageable size.

Already, Chiefs have moved on Ranga Chivaviro, Edmilson Dove, Sabelo Radebe, Mduduzi Mdantsane, Bongani Sam, Edson Castillo and Tebogo Potsane. Yusuf Maart was sold, while Njabulo Blom’s loan deal was not extended.

It is a ruthless streak rarely associated with Chiefs in recent seasons, but it underscores Nabi’s intent to build a group in his own image — one capable of fighting on four fronts. 

The concern, however, is that in doing so, some of the club’s brightest academy graduates may become collateral damage.

The youth system at Naturena has long been a point of pride. 

During the transfer ban years, former coaches Gavin Hunt and Arthur Zwane leaned heavily on promoting talent from within, giving players like Njabulo Blom, Sabelo Radebe and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo their chance. 

While results were mixed, the academy provided a pipeline of identity and affordability when the club needed it most.

Now, with a higher calibre of players recruited from rival PSL clubs and abroad, those products face uncertain futures.

Goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma, once a trusted starter who carried the gloves for much of last season, has yet to feature this campaign. 

Brandon Petersen has reclaimed the number one spot, while Rwandan international Fiacre Ntwari waits as deputy — leaving Bvuma frozen out.

Midfielder Samkelo Zwane, 23, could be shipped out on loan after the arrival of four midfield reinforcements. 

The youngster was seen as one for the future, but his development risks stalling if he spends the season on the fringes.

Then there is Happy Mashiane. The versatile left-back has struggled for game time, with Nabi now spoilt for choice in that position. 

At 27, Mashiane is no longer a prospect and faces the possibility of being moved on.

This is the double-edged sword of Chiefs’ rebuild. The quality of signings reflects ambition and a desire to close the gap on Mamelodi Sundowns, while also targeting silverware beyond the league. 

But the club risks alienating its academy, an institution that has provided both identity and loyalty when results faltered.

Nabi’s task is delicate — finding the right balance between raising the standard and not discarding the very players who have carried the badge through lean years.

If handled poorly, Chiefs could strengthen their present but weaken their future.