Bobby Motaung shuts down Chiefs January transfer talk

While the sound of heavy investment echoes from their rivals in Pretoria and Soweto, Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung has made it clear that “the noise” will not force the club into impulsive mid-season moves.

As the January 2026 transfer window heats up, Motaung has reinforced a philosophy of patience, insisting that the current squad at Naturena is more than capable of handling the tasks ahead.

The pressure on the Glamour Boys has reached a fever pitch following aggressive moves by their direct competitors. Orlando Pirates, currently sitting atop the Betway Premiership, recently added Andre de Jong to their ranks. Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns signalled their intent by securing a high-profile deal for Monnapule Saleng.

Despite this, Motaung remains unfazed, telling Isolezwe that the club will not be reactive. “We won’t close the door if a special player becomes available,” Motaung said. “But we are satisfied with the squad we have because we had players who were injured and they are now returning.”

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Motaung’s confidence stems from the significant overhaul the club underwent at the start of the season. Chiefs roped in 11 new players, many of whom are only now beginning to find their rhythm under the co-coaching duo of Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.

Key factors behind the quiet window include:

Untapped Potential: High-profile signings like Ethan Chislett and Nkanyiso Shinga have yet to fully integrate, and the club is prioritising their development over new arrivals.

The Adjustment Period: Motaung noted that the weight of the Chiefs jersey is heavy, stating, “It is not easy to join Chiefs… they need to get used to the team so that everything can work properly.”

Squad Continuity: The management is wary of “destabilising” the group by constantly shuffling the roster.

The statistics suggest a team that is finding its defensive footing but lacks the killer instinct to turn draws into wins. In 14 matches, Chiefs have recorded four wins and eight draws, with only two defeats—both coming on the road in continental and domestic travel.

With the return of players like Lebohang Maboe and Asanele Velebayi from the injury list, the hierarchy believes the “reinforcements” are already within the village.

The focus now shifts entirely to January 20th, when Amakhosi return to Betway Premiership action against Golden Arrows at the FNB Stadium. For Motaung and the coaching staff, the goal is clear: prove that continuity is more valuable than a new signature.