Ex-Chiefs defender Gaxa names TS Galaxy star Amakhosi must sign

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana defender Siboniso Gaxa has identified TS Galaxy winger Seluleko Mahlambi as the priority signing Amakhosi must secure ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Mahlambi, 21, has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in the Betway Premiership since his promotion to the Rockets’ senior side in the 2024/25 season. Having famously made his professional debut against Orlando Pirates—a “baptism of fire” orchestrated by coach Adnan Beganovic—the youngster has since lived up to the hype.

The versatile winger has become a mainstay for Beganovic’s side, racking up 30 appearances across all competitions this season. With a return of five goals and four assists, Mahlambi’s technical proficiency on both flanks has caught the eye of several scouts, despite a mid-season dip in form that mirrored Galaxy’s overall struggles.

Speaking on the Apex International Podcast, Gaxa—a man who knows exactly what it takes to succeed at Naturena—insists that Mahlambi is the profile of player the Chiefs hierarchy should be targeting.

‘HE IS AN ARTIST’: GAXA PINPOINTS TS GALAXY’S MAHLAMBI AS IDEAL CHIEFS TARGET

“Get players, I mean the boy from TS Galaxy, Seluleko Mahlambi,” Gaxa stated emphatically. “Get him, that is my first signing. If I am Kaizer Junior or Bobby [Motaung], this is the conversation in the boardroom. They need to call Tim Sukazi.”

Gaxa was particularly impressed by the youngster’s work ethic, which he believes matches his immense natural talent.

“That boy knows how to play football. I have watched him. He works hard. He pushes when he is tired. You take him, and he becomes our focal point when we attack. Actually, he should build the attack. He is so talented… he is like a dancer when he is playing. He is an artist.”

A FIT FOR NATURENA?

Gaxa highlighted Mahlambi’s ambipedal ability as a key asset that would provide Chiefs with a much-needed unpredictable edge in the final third.

“He can do something with both feet, right or left, you don’t know what he will do. I watch him and think this is proper talent,” Gaxa added.

However, the legendary right-back also issued a warning regarding the current culture at the club, suggesting that the environment at Naturena must be right for such a talent to thrive.

“He would fit in at Chiefs with the players he will have around there. But the problem at Chiefs is that too many players are comfortable there,” he concluded.