Can Kaizer Chiefs clinch a Bafana star?

Kaizer Chiefs opted against making any notable signings during the January transfer window, despite the fact that coach Cavin Johnson was apparently empowered to splash some cash if he felt it was necessary.

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Yet, in the latest issue of iDiski Times, it’s reported that Chiefs rather opted to keep an eye on certain players who performed at the recent Afcon tournament.

Even before the continental tournament kicked off, 22-year-old attacker Oswin Appollis was a player linked with Chiefs after a string of promising performances for Polokwane City.

With his profile on the rise, Chiefs have been rumoured to be keeping an eye on the Bafana youngster, and transfer talk suggests Amakhosi could still be interested in escalating negotiations at the end of this season.

Appollis got his maiden Bafana call-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin towards the end of last year, and his profile has risen quickly since then. It now remains to be seen if Chiefs could successfully negotiate a deal for the talented youngster.

ANOTHER BAFANA STAR COULD BE ON KAIZER CHIEFS’ RADAR, BUT OUT OF THEIR REACH

One player linked to Amakhosi is Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole, who featured prominently for the national side, underlining the value of his experience gained overseas where he plies his trade for Portugal Liga 2 side Tondela.

The 24-year-old has in fact been based in Portugal since 2017 when the KwaZulu-Natal academy product first linked up with Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon’s juniors.

It’s reported that his contract with Tondela is still in place for the foreseeable future, and he may well be priced out of the market for Kaizer Chiefs, but it is still interesting to see his name linked with Chiefs – not for the first time either.

SIGNS OF PROGRESS

Chiefs are in sixth place in the league with 25 points from 17 Premiership matches, while they will next be in action in the Nedbank Cup this weekend when they host Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford FC in the last 32.