Kaizer Chiefs set for landmark transfer summit in Morocco

While South African football fans turn their attention to Bafana Bafana’s AFCON opener in Marrakech this Monday, Kaizer Chiefs will be conducting high-level business 300 kilometres away in the city of Rabat.

In a move signalling a modernised era for the Soweto giants, Head of Scouting and Recruitment Tera Maliwa has confirmed the club’s debut at the prestigious TransferRoom (TR) Live Summit.

This strategic excursion represents a significant shift in the club’s recruitment philosophy. Maliwa, alongside Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr, will join over 120 of the world’s most powerful football executives, ranging from Premier League giants like Liverpool to Moroccan powerhouses Wydad Casablanca.

A New Era of Recruitment For Kaizer Chiefs

For the Amakhosi faithful, who have long advocated for a more sophisticated approach to player acquisitions, Maliwa’s announcement on LinkedIn suggests a new chapter is unfolding.

“Football is a business of information, and you need as much access as you can,” Maliwa stated. “I’m thrilled that I will be attending TransferRoom for the first time in Rabat, Morocco, together with our sporting director, Mr Kaizer Motaung Jr.”

Maliwa emphasised that Kaizer Chiefs are determined to “re-strengthen our position in the global transfer market and relations,” noting that the summit provides the perfect environment to connect with international clubs and agents.

The TransferRoom Summit is far from a social visit; it is widely regarded as the “speed-dating” hub for multi-million-dollar football deals. While this is a first for Kaizer Chiefs, their domestic rivals Mamelodi Sundowns have already paved the way. Under Sporting Director Flemming Berg, the Brazilians have utilised the platform to secure high-profile stars like Marcelo Allende and Arthur Sales.

TransferRoom CEO Jonas Ankersen highlighted the efficiency of the event, which is designed to bypass traditional agency bureaucracy through exclusive one-to-one meetings.

“By convening senior football executives during one of the continent’s most important tournaments, TransferRoom Live reinforces its commitment to collaboration, transparency and growth across African and global football markets,” Ankersen said.

The summit will also feature prominent speakers, including Hersi Said, head of Young Africans SC and the African Club Association.

A Global Diplomatic Tour

The trip to Rabat marks the second leg of a global tour for the Chiefs leadership. Just last week, Kaizer Motaung Jr and Marketing Director Jessica Motaung were in Zurich at a FIFA summit, where they met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

However, the Rabat summit is where the “heavy lifting” of squad building is expected to take place. As the club looks to navigate “uncharted waters,” the connections made in Morocco could define the quality and calibre of the next generation of players to wear the gold and black.