Kaizer Chiefs Prioritise Thabiso Monyane Over Paseka Mako in Transfer Talks

Kaizer Chiefs are currently making strategic moves in the transfer market, and while both Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako have been linked with a possible switch to Naturena, fresh information suggests that the club’s interest is firmly focused on just one of the two former Orlando Pirates defenders.

According to a source close to the club, Chiefs are unlikely to pursue both players. The focus, it appears, is firmly on the younger and more versatile Thabiso Monyane. The 25-year-old right-back is seen as a better long-term investment compared to the 31-year-old Mako.

“It’s believed that the player the club is really interested in is Thabiso Monyane,” a trusted insider told Soccer Laduma. “Chiefs have been releasing players aged between 31 and 34 recently. It wouldn’t make sense to bring in another 31-year-old like Mako. Monyane, being younger, has a longer future ahead of him.”

Monyane’s profile seems to fit Chiefs’ evolving recruitment strategy, which has started prioritizing younger players with development potential. The club’s technical team, scouts, and management are said to be aligned in their positive assessment of the former Pirates right-back.

While Monyane’s potential arrival seems more certain, the situation around Paseka Mako remains unclear. Despite Chiefs actively looking to strengthen their left-back position, Mako, who featured regularly for Pirates last season, is reportedly not among the top targets for that role.

“It’s no secret that the club wants to boost that left-back position,” another source revealed. “But Paseka Mako was never really on the shortlist. Chiefs are instead keeping a close eye on young prospects from their DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) squad like Kabelo Nkgwesa and Nkosana Mbuthu, as well as other external options.”

This cautious approach toward Mako aligns with Chiefs’ broader squad overhaul plans, which have included moving on several senior players to create space for youth and fresher legs in the team. The exception to this trend, however, was the recent signing of 34-year-old Gaston Sirino—suggesting that while youth is the focus, Chiefs are still open to experience if the player fits a specific need.

As of now, Chiefs have not issued an official comment regarding the Monyane and Mako links. Fans will likely have to wait for the club to finalize its decisions as the 2025/26 season approaches.

The speculation highlights the club’s intention to build a squad capable of competing for major honours while also planning for the future.