PRETORIA – Kaizer Chiefs have added two new faces to their squad ahead of the new season, signing goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner and defender Thabo Moloisane. The club has also secured the permanent services of striker Khanyisa Mayo after his loan spell.
Former Amakhosi defender Thabang Rooi believes Chiefs have strengthened where it matters most, particularly in defence, and says the club’s lack of a new striker suggests head coach Nasreddine Nabi has confidence in his current attacking options.
Speaking exclusively to The African Chronicle on the sidelines of the Relebohile Mofokeng Foundation Annual Games at James Grounds in Sharpeville, Rooi urged supporters not to place too much emphasis on the team’s preseason results in Spain.
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“I don’t think people should read too much into the preseason games,” said Rooi.
“They’ve had a difficult start in camp and have lost a couple of matches. I saw they were beaten 2-1 by Elche, and in the first game I watched, I saw the highlights where Renaldo Leaner made a mistake that led to a goal. But that’s what preseason is for.”
He said a clearer picture of the team’s progress would emerge once Chiefs returned to South Africa for the final phase of their preparations.
“When they come back and play here, then we’ll see where they really are. If they don’t sign another striker, then maybe the coach already has a plan. He could use Khanyisa Mayo again or another player already in the squad. We’ll have to wait and see, but hopefully they can have a much better season.”
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Rooi was particularly encouraged by the club’s defensive recruitment, saying the backline appears to be moving in the right direction.
“Defensively, I’m happy with what I’ve seen so far. I think they’ve strengthened well at the back. That’s why I’m waiting to see them play here at home because it’s a different environment. The level of competition is different, and that’s when you’ll get a better idea of how prepared they are for the season ahead.”
Chiefs will continue their preseason preparations in the Toyota Cup, where they face Zimbabwean side Scotland FC at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on 26 July.
