Kaizer Chiefs Double Up on Left-Back Signings in Search of Stability

Kaizer Chiefs have once again reinforced their left-back options ahead of the 2024/25 season by signing two players in the same position—a move that has become something of a tradition at the Naturena-based club. The latest recruits, Nkanyiso Shinga from Portuguese side FC Alverca and Paseka Mako from fierce rivals Orlando Pirates, bring fresh competition and depth to a position Chiefs have often struggled to settle in over the years.

The club already boasts Bradley Cross and Happy Mashiane as left-back options, meaning Chiefs now have four players capable of filling that role. This follows the departure of Edmilson Dove and Bongani Sam, while Thatayaone Ditlhokwe was sold to Libyan club Al Ittihad earlier this year.

The ongoing cycle of recruiting multiple left-backs is nothing new at Amakhosi. Over the past dozen years, the club has signed a long list of players for the position including Edmilson Dove, Bradley Cross, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Bongani Sam, Sibusiso Mabiliso, Sifiso Hlanti, Godfrey Walusimbi, Letlhogonolo Mirwa, Philani Zulu, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya, Sibusiso Khumalo, Simphiwe Mtsweni, Levy Mokgothu, and Keegan Ritchie.

While some, like Dove and Hlanti, managed to carve out moments of success, most others failed to make a lasting impact, leading to their eventual release. Tsepo Masilela remains the last genuine success story in the left-back spot, having served Chiefs for six solid years before his departure.

With the additions of Shinga and Mako, Chiefs hope to break the cycle and find a dependable solution that lasts longer than a few seasons. Shinga, the younger of the two, has impressed during pre-season training in Holland and looks set to challenge for the starting role. Having spent his entire professional career in Portugal—progressing through clubs like Vitoria Setubal’s youth teams, CD Pinhalnovense, Juventude Evora SC, CF Estrela Amadora, SC Covilha, and FC Alverca—Shinga brings a blend of European experience and youthful potential.

According to his representative Zuneid Sidat, the move to Chiefs is part of a bigger plan to push Shinga toward Bafana Bafana selection. “We went to Chiefs because we want him to play football and get into the national team. It will be easier for him to get into the national team when he is at Chiefs, and that is our plan,” Sidat told KickOff.com.

Meanwhile, Paseka Mako arrives with ample experience but some fitness concerns. After spending seven years at Orlando Pirates, Mako has the know-how and tactical awareness required to compete at the highest level in the South African Premier Division. His presence adds valuable experience to Chiefs’ backline as they prepare for a challenging campaign.

As Chiefs build their squad under a fresh vision, the competition between these four left-backs will likely bring out the best in each player, giving Amakhosi fans hope for a more stable and effective presence on the left flank—something the club has long been searching for.