Chiefs Transfer Market Disadvantage Not An Excuse For Underachievement, Baloyi

Kaizer Chiefs legend Brian Baloyi believes the club faces a disadvantage in the transfer market but insists it should not use that as an excuse for underachievement.

There is a long-standing perception that Chiefs are at a disadvantage when pursuing transfer targets, with clubs reportedly demanding higher transfer fees from Amakhosi than they do from other teams for the same players.

Baloyi pointed to Oswin Appollis as an example, alleging that Orlando Pirates signed the winger for a lower fee than the amount Chiefs were initially quoted when they tried to secure his services.

“We know it’s an open secret that when Chiefs are interested in a player, the selling price suddenly becomes different,” said Baloyi.

“It has been said many times before, and people sometimes sidestep the issue, but it has been evident. Everyone knows the secret that Pirates bought Appollis for far less than what Chiefs had put on the table. So we know all of this, and as supporters we understand.”

Chiefs, who will be led by Fernando da Cruz, have so far signed only Thabo Moloisane, who joined from Stellenbosch FC after leaving the club at the end of last season.

However, Baloyi insisted that Chiefs should not allow those challenges to define them. Instead, he believes the club must find other ways to demonstrate that it is serious about competing at the highest level.

“But with that understanding must come other ways of showing that you mean business,” Baloyi said.

“I don’t want to mention the names of the coaches I believe were available and could have come in as mentors, but who could really have helped Chiefs get back to that level. But it is what it is.”