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Kaizer Chiefs Secure First Signing of 2026/27 Season with Defender Thabo Moloisane
Kaizer Chiefs announced the signing of 115‑game defender Thabo Moloisane on 18 June 2026, making him the club’s first acquisition ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign. The move was confirmed on the club’s official social‑media channels, where the Amakhosi welcomed the Soweto‑born centre‑back as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Stellenbosch.
Moloisane’s arrival gives the Amakhosi a solid defensive core, but it also underscores the extent of the rebuild that the club’s former assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef outlined earlier this month. In an interview with Sports Amplified, Ben Youssef said the squad will need five immediate‑impact signings: a left winger, a central midfielder, a left full‑back, a goalkeeper and a centre‑back. With Moloisane now secured, the remaining positions are still open.
The former co‑coach emphasised that the four remaining players must be “top players ready to play immediately.” The statement was widely reported by local media and confirmed by the club’s communications team.
Possible targets for the remaining slots have been identified by insiders and club officials. In the midfield, the Chiefs have reportedly reached personal‑terms with Golden Arrows midfielder Ayabulela Maxwele, according to Naturena insider Innocent Mkhize. The deal is pending a decision from Golden Arrows chairlady Mato Madlala.
For the left‑back position, the club is eyeing Vuyo Letlapa of Sekhukhune United, while the winger slot could be filled by Langelihle Phili of Stellenbosch, Keletso Makgwalwa of Sekhukhune United, or Seluleko Mahlambi of TS Galaxy.
Goalkeeper cover is another priority. The Chiefs are monitoring 18‑year‑old Takalani Mazhamba, who made his debut for Stellenbosch in the final match of last season against Chippa United.
Moloisane’s experience spans several clubs in South Africa’s top flight. He began his career in the youth ranks of Mamelodi Sundowns, played for Cape Town All Stars in the second tier, captained Maritzburg United, and joined Stellenbosch in July 2023. He was part of the Stellenbosch squad that reached the Carling Black Label Cup final and later won the competition against TS Galaxy. Internationally, Moloisane represented South Africa at the 2019 U‑20 Africa Cup of Nations, the 2019 FIFA U‑20 World Cup, and the 2019 African Games. He earned his first senior cap for Bafana Bafana against Mozambique.
The Chiefs’ first signing comes at a time when the club is preparing for a busy pre‑season schedule that will include domestic fixtures and potential participation in continental competitions. The club’s leadership has stated that the new signings will be evaluated during training camps and friendly matches.
The 56th anniversary of Kaizer Chiefs, celebrated in January 2026, has added a sense of urgency to the transfer activity. The club’s long‑standing rivalry with Orlando Pirates and its status as the most successful team in South African football history mean that the pressure to strengthen the squad is high.
As the transfer window opens, the Chiefs will need to complete the remaining four signings to meet the criteria set by former coach Ben Youssef. The club’s official website and social‑media accounts will provide updates as negotiations progress.
In summary, Thabo Moloisane’s signing marks the beginning of a multi‑player rebuild for Kaizer Chiefs. The club still seeks a left winger, a central midfielder, a left full‑back, and a goalkeeper to complete the squad for the upcoming season.
Moloisane’s arrival gives the Amakhosi a solid defensive core, but it also underscores the extent of the rebuild that the club’s former assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef outlined earlier this month. In an interview with Sports Amplified, Ben Youssef said the squad will need five immediate‑impact signings: a left winger, a central midfielder, a left full‑back, a goalkeeper and a centre‑back. With Moloisane now secured, the remaining positions are still open.
The former co‑coach emphasised that the four remaining players must be “top players ready to play immediately.” The statement was widely reported by local media and confirmed by the club’s communications team.
Possible targets for the remaining slots have been identified by insiders and club officials. In the midfield, the Chiefs have reportedly reached personal‑terms with Golden Arrows midfielder Ayabulela Maxwele, according to Naturena insider Innocent Mkhize. The deal is pending a decision from Golden Arrows chairlady Mato Madlala.
For the left‑back position, the club is eyeing Vuyo Letlapa of Sekhukhune United, while the winger slot could be filled by Langelihle Phili of Stellenbosch, Keletso Makgwalwa of Sekhukhune United, or Seluleko Mahlambi of TS Galaxy.
Goalkeeper cover is another priority. The Chiefs are monitoring 18‑year‑old Takalani Mazhamba, who made his debut for Stellenbosch in the final match of last season against Chippa United.
Moloisane’s experience spans several clubs in South Africa’s top flight. He began his career in the youth ranks of Mamelodi Sundowns, played for Cape Town All Stars in the second tier, captained Maritzburg United, and joined Stellenbosch in July 2023. He was part of the Stellenbosch squad that reached the Carling Black Label Cup final and later won the competition against TS Galaxy. Internationally, Moloisane represented South Africa at the 2019 U‑20 Africa Cup of Nations, the 2019 FIFA U‑20 World Cup, and the 2019 African Games. He earned his first senior cap for Bafana Bafana against Mozambique.
The Chiefs’ first signing comes at a time when the club is preparing for a busy pre‑season schedule that will include domestic fixtures and potential participation in continental competitions. The club’s leadership has stated that the new signings will be evaluated during training camps and friendly matches.
The 56th anniversary of Kaizer Chiefs, celebrated in January 2026, has added a sense of urgency to the transfer activity. The club’s long‑standing rivalry with Orlando Pirates and its status as the most successful team in South African football history mean that the pressure to strengthen the squad is high.
As the transfer window opens, the Chiefs will need to complete the remaining four signings to meet the criteria set by former coach Ben Youssef. The club’s official website and social‑media accounts will provide updates as negotiations progress.
In summary, Thabo Moloisane’s signing marks the beginning of a multi‑player rebuild for Kaizer Chiefs. The club still seeks a left winger, a central midfielder, a left full‑back, and a goalkeeper to complete the squad for the upcoming season.
