Much has been made of Kaizer Chiefs’ failure to land a striker or winger in this window, but here’s why it’s not the end of the world.
Kaizer Chiefs didn’t sign Appollis or any strikers
23-year-old Oswin Appollis’ stock is as high as it’s been. Two goals for Bafana lately alerted the entire country to his capabilities and that sent the rumours into overdrive. Elias Mokwana, Khanyisa Mayo and Iqraam Rayners have all made big switches either abroad or locally during the winter window for big sums of money. Mokwana cost Esperance €370k (R7.2 million), and Rayners swapped Stellies for Sundowns for an undisclosed fee although his estimated transfer value now stands at R35 million (evidence of the power Sundowns have over the market). Mayo is in Algeria with Belouizdad in a deal which cost his new employers €750k (R14.5 million). Chiefs probably couldn’t afford a deal for Appollis at this stage, but they emphasised improving their defensive base. That could be the platform for future transfer windows. It could be part of Nabi’s master plan. Scroll on…
So what though?
In a Premier League context, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta has shied away from signing strikers, instead focusing on making his side hard to beat and penetrate. They hardly ever concede goals, and that’s because they’ve got excellent midfielders, outstanding defenders and a coherent system. Chiefs boss Nabi brought in seven new faces this window, and five of them are either defenders or holding midfielders. It’s easy to see what he’s doing. With loan-signing Njabulo Blom alongside Yusuf Maart in the engine, there’s a strong central spine.
Dortley is arguably the most exciting young defender in South Africa
Already capped twice by Bafana at age 22, Chiefs have landed one of the most talented defensive prospects in the country. They’ll be desperate they can keep him for a few years at least before Sundowns or foreign suitors come calling. This classy left-footer is going straight to the top and should be a fixture for club and country for a very, very long time. If he quickly forms an understanding with Inacio Miguel, Chiefs will be difficult to beat, especially with Blom doing the patrol work. Beyond the end of his loan spell, however, Chiefs will need a long-term plan.
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