Kaizer Chiefs Temporarily Halt Foreign Player Signings Amid Etiosa Ighodaro Residency Delay

Kaizer Chiefs have temporarily put a hold on signing foreign players, including Mamelodi Sundowns striker Etiosa Ighodaro, as they work through the complexities of PSL foreign player quotas and await finalisation of the Nigerian forward’s residency status.

The club has expressed interest in Ighodaro, who is currently in the process of obtaining his Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) in South Africa. Securing this permit would allow the Nigerian-born striker to be registered as a local player, freeing up one of the club’s limited foreign player slots.

Sources close to the club confirm that Chiefs have already reached their maximum of five foreign players, which currently prevents them from registering Ighodaro until his paperwork is complete.

“It’s believed that the club remains interested in signing Etiosa Ighodaro but must first address the foreign player quota. For now, they have five foreign players on their books and are waiting for Ighodaro to obtain his PRP, which he has qualified for. That’s why no new foreign signings are possible at the moment,” a source revealed.

Kaizer Chiefs’ current foreign players include Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, Angolan defender Inacio Miguel, Venezuelan midfielder Edson Castillo, Congolese attacker Makabi Lilepo, and recently signed Angolan forward Flavio Silva.

Additionally, there are reports that Castillo has requested a transfer, which could potentially open up a foreign player slot. If Castillo departs, the club is expected to explore further signings before the new season kicks off.

Last season was difficult for Chiefs, with head coach Nasreddine Nabi frequently voicing concerns about squad depth and quality after the team finished ninth in the league, despite winning the Nedbank Cup.

Attempts to get official comments from Kaizer Chiefs regarding their transfer plans and Ighodaro’s situation were unsuccessful by the time of this report.

This situation highlights the challenges PSL clubs face in balancing transfer ambitions with league regulations. For Chiefs, securing Etiosa Ighodaro’s Permanent Residence Permit could be key to strengthening their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 season.