Kaizer Chiefs have had a bit of a mixed year. Let’s assess the winners and losers of 2023 with time for a few to redeem themselves…
FIXTURES: Next SIX Amakhosi games look winnable
Kaizer Chiefs: Biggest winners and losers of 2023
Winners
Edson Castillo
Although he’s been out of the side in recent weeks, the Venezuelan schemer has quickly become a fan favourite among Amakosi fans. He’s also scored a few crucial goals from deep-lying midfield areas. He should become even more of an asset with a season of SA football under his belt.
ICYMI: Amakhosi welcome back two stars for Richards Bay clash
Thatayaone Ditlhokwe
Blessed with natural leadership and versatility, the 25-year-old Botswana skipper has become a mainstay in the Chiefs defence. We might be about to learn exactly how important he is with a two-month spell on the sidelines coming up.
Spiwe Given Msimango
An ever-present for TS Galaxy in his final campaign for the Rockets, Msimango has immediately become a key pillar of the Chiefs defence. If he stays fit, they have a better chance of keeping clean sheets. He’ll be even more crucial now that his new partnership with Ditlhokwe will be broken up because of the Botswana man’s dislocated shoulder.
WOW: How MaMkhize’s debt climbed from R12 Million to R49 Million in a day
Losers
Jasond Gonzalez
The colourfully named Efmamjjasond Gonzalez has failed to get going so far. He hasn’t scored a single goal in Chiefs colours, and rumours persist that the club might cut short his one-season loan stay.
ICYMI: Motaung Jr sends heartfelt message to ‘younger bro’ Khune
Ranga Chivaviro
The 30-year-old former Gallants man was prolific last term, scoring 15 goals across all competitions, but 2023-24 has been a struggle for him so far. with the burly frontman scoring just once in the league this term, against Cape Town Spurs. Amakhosi have now scored 14 goals from 14 games in the league, and a goal a game isn’t a healthy enough average for a side of this stature as we approach the halfway mark of the campaign.
RUMOUR: Is this the Kaizer Chiefs January transfer shortlist?
TRANSFERS: Who’s flown and who’s flopped?
Itumeleng Khune
Embroiled in a scandal, suspended from all club-related activities and on the longest run without a clean sheet in his entire career, Itu Khune has certainly had better years. To be fair, none of Amakhosi’s senior goalkeepers have covered themselves in glory this season and it’s a clear area for the club to improve.
REVEALED: The position Khune played at the start of his Chiefs career
REVEALED: Why Kaizer Chiefs won’t be signing Salim Magoola
Let us know who your biggest winners and losers have been this year, Amakhosi fans.
Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, news, views and commentary.
Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates