9 Young Beneficiaries Of Chiefs’ FIFA Ban
by Soccer Laduma
Ernst Middendorp yesterday told the media he believes the FIFA ban, if Kaizer Chiefs fail to overturn it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, will be of significant benefit to many of the clubs’ youth graduates.
Amakhosi were last week hit with a two-window transfer restriction, meaning the club will not be able to sign new players until after January 2021.
It now means the Glamour Boys have to start planning next season with what is currently on their books, and that includes nine young players recently promoted and some who have been sent out on loan to Swallows in the lower division.
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Bontle Molefe, still only 17, remains the understudy to Itumeleng Khune, Daniel Akpeyi and Bruce Bvuma – but if the club can’t get in another experienced goalkeeper, then the youngster will have further room to grow.
Siyabonga Ngezana, Njabulo Blom and Happy Mashiane appear to be the future of the club at rearguard already. The transfer ban almost guarantees them more game-time if Chiefs cannot bring in reinforcements at the back.
The same can be said about midfield, where Nkosingiphile Ngcobo had made a breakthrough last season until an injury that rule him out for more than six months.
Chiefs have also loaned out four players – Given Thibedi, Ayanda Rorwana, Itumeleng Shopane and Sizwe Twala – to Swallows with the hope that more game-time in the GladAfrica Championship will boost their careers.
With the transfer ban, these four players could very well fancy their chances at their parent club next season.