Kaze Opens Up On The Signing Of Pirates Duo

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has shed light on the club’s decision to lure Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako to Naturena following their departure from fierce rivals Orlando Pirates at the end of last season.

Amakhosi swiftly acquired the duo’s signature on a free transfer to bolster their defense.

In the 2024/25 campaign, Amakhosi signed Bongani Sam from the Buccaneers, with the player having been recently released by the club without even kicking the ball.

Now, in the wake of the full-backs’ arrival, the Chiefs second in command has clarified the decision to rope them in, amid concerns about whether the former Pirates players can undergo a successful mental transition after spending a couple of years on the other side of the rivalry.

“When you recruit a player, you don’t recruit a player differently because he comes from the other side [Pirates]. You recruit a player because of the quality that he has and the work that you see he could be able to help the team,” said Kaze.

“I believe that they have already experienced the pressure where they come from, the amount of pressure that we have. It’s not only one team, but there are also a lot of teams that are big clubs, and when you come from a big club, then you know the expectations.”

Kaze is adamant that the duo is fully aware of their new surroundings and the club they now represent, stating that conversations about the expectations were heard, as with every other player that was brought in this window.

“I am pretty sure that they know where they are and they know that now they represent the Kaizer Chiefs badge, and we have sat down with them as all the other players that have come in and they know what is expected and they are fine with it,” he added.

Chiefs will return to Betway Premiership action with a visit from Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on Wednesday (19:30). The Glamour Boys opened their season with a 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC on Sunday.