“Coming to Kaizer Chiefs was all I wanted” – Nkanyiso Shinga

Kaizer Chiefs new recruit Nkanyiso Shinga has said that playing for Amakhosi has always been his dream, having made a quick return from Portugal to the Betway Premiership.

Shinga is one of the six new players Chiefs have roped in to strengthen their squad ahead of the new football season.

The 26-year-old said: “I was really, really excited [when Chiefs showed interest in me]. It was a dream for me to play for this team. I had offers, but coming to Chiefs was all I wanted,” said Shinga, who joined the club from newly promoted top-flight Portugal side Alverca.

“My family was also excited, even though they asked why I came back to SA early. I made it clear to them that this is what I wanted.”

The other players recruited so far ahead of the 2025/26 season include playmaker Ethan Chislett, holding midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu, striker Flavio Silva, and the full-back pair of Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako.

Shinga says he cannot wait to play in his hometown of Durban for the first time when Chiefs face Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko at Moses Mabhida Stadium on July 26 in a Toyota Cup match.

“I have only been to Moses Mabhida Stadium to watch games, I’ve never played there before, so it’ll be my first time. It will be a special moment for me because I’ve never played a game in Durban, my hometown, as a pro footballer,” said Shinga,

“Our supporters must keep supporting us. We love our supporters, and we want to give them what they want, so we are going to be ready when the season starts. We will fight for the badge.

“I am a player who likes to play in full stadiums … I really enjoy that energy of supporters, and I can’t wait for that feeling with Chiefs fans.”

Chiefs will be eager to record their first win of their Netherlands preseason camp when they face Dutch top-flight outfit PEC Zwolle in Meppel on Tuesday (7pm SA time).