Ex-Kaizer Chiefs Striker Unconvinced Despite Nedbank Cup Heroics: “The Current Squad Is Not Good Enough”
Despite Kaizer Chiefs pulling off a shock 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns to book their spot in the Nedbank Cup final, former Amakhosi striker Shane McGregor has expressed concern over the team’s long-term prospects, saying the club still lacks the quality needed to compete at the highest level.
The 61-year-old, who also featured for SuperSport United during his playing days, was critical of the current squad and warned that the win over Sundowns — impressive as it was — should not be used to mask deeper issues within the team.
READ | Happy People: Further History in the Making for Riveiro
“It’s a good result for Chiefs. They have been struggling and not performing well this season, but they managed to reach the final,” McGregor told KickOff.
“If reaching the final is enough to make the supporters happy, then so be it. However, I’ll consider the entire season. It has been disappointing, and that doesn’t change the fact that it’s been a bad year.”
Amakhosi stunned the high-flying Sundowns — widely tipped to secure a treble this season — by coming from behind at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday evening. But McGregor believes the win had more to do with the Brazilians’ fatigue than Chiefs’ tactical brilliance.
“Let’s be honest, Sundowns looked very tired. No excuses. If that’s the team that’s going to move Chiefs forward… I don’t think so,” he added.
“They need to bring in quality players because the current squad is not good enough.”
READ | ‘I Never Wanted to Be a Coach’
McGregor is adamant that despite reaching the final, Chiefs must invest heavily in new talent if they want to compete with the likes of Sundowns and Orlando Pirates consistently. He pointed to their season-long inconsistency as a major red flag, especially ahead of their final showdown against Pirates.
“They’ve had one good game this season, but then followed it with three or four poor performances. Consistency has been an issue,” he noted.
“It’s a cup final, and if they can’t elevate their game on such an important occasion, they may not succeed.”
Reinforcements Needed
Amid McGregor’s criticism, Chiefs have already been linked with several potential signings, including Polokwane City’s Oswin Appollis and Stellenbosch FC’s Fawaaz Basadien. There’s also growing speculation around Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise, who could be available on a free transfer soon.
The need for fresh legs has been echoed by other ex-players as well, with Jabu Mahlangu recently calling on Chiefs to prioritize midfield reinforcements ahead of the new season.
What’s Next?
Chiefs will shift focus to their upcoming league fixture against Chippa United on April 19 as they continue to battle for a respectable finish in the DStv Premiership. But all eyes are already turning toward the much-anticipated Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates — a chance to end their long-standing trophy drought and secure a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.
While fans may be buoyed by the recent win, McGregor’s words serve as a reminder that one victory does not make a season — and that the Glamour Boys have plenty of work to do before reclaiming their status as a top-tier force in South African football.
