Motaung slams "nonsense" claims: Chiefs not stingy in transfer market

Jessica Motaung. Photo credit: Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs marketing director Jessica Motaung has vehemently refuted claims that the club is unwilling to spend in the transfer market, labelling the notion as "hogwash."

Instead, Motaung stated that the Soweto giants "always put their money where their mouth is."

In the past few seasons, Chiefs have often been perceived as less aggressive in the transfer market, frequently opting for free agents and promoting players from their development structures to bolster the squad.

This perception intensified in the last transfer window when they reportedly withdrew their interest in Cape Town Spurs skipper Asanele Velebayi due to a disagreement over his asking price, leading to accusations of the club being "close-fisted."

While addressing the media at the Toyota Cup launch at the club's Naturena base on Thursday, Motaung said: "Chiefs pay a lot of money, so I am actually quite surprised [by claims that Chiefs don't want to spend]. I think that's absolute nonsense. If I look at our budget and I look at the investment we're making with regards to the transfer space,"

Motaung also hinted at potential manipulation within the PSL transfer market, emphasising that Chiefs are not afraid to invest significantly in players or the technical team.

"I also think the SA market needs to evaluate itself... are the negotiations fair? Are the prices people are asking for players fair? We have to look at our industry, but certainly we've invested a lot not only in players but in the technical team as well, so you can see that Chiefs are putting their money where their mouth is," she added.

While official announcements are pending, Chiefs are widely believed to have already secured at least four new players, including former Orlando Pirates full-backs Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane.

Motaung urged supporters to be patient regarding updates on these new recruits. "I am asking our supporters to be patient. I know other clubs are announcing their [new] players, but allow us to take the time to make sure we have our i's dotted and t's crossed, but certainly we will make announcements," Motaung assured.

Looking ahead, Chiefs are set to face Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in their pre season Toyota Cup match at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium on July 26.

The Glamour Boys will also embark on a pre-season training camp in the Netherlands, departing South Africa on Thursday.