Kaizer Chiefs new signings for the 2025/26 season: Who joined and who left the squad
The 2025/2026 PSL season has witnessed a busy transfer market across many teams, with Kaizer Chiefs' new signings marking the club’s biggest haul in recent years. Former head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who oversaw most arrivals, explained:
Our objective was to sign new players who would bring us to a higher level compared to last season.
Source: Instagram
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- The 2025/26 Premier Soccer League (PSL) first transfer window opened on 1 July and closed on 22 September.
- Kaizer Chiefs dominated activity, signing over 11 players and releasing nine in their biggest squad rebuild.
- New arrivals Flávio Silva, Khanyisa Mayo, and Etiosa Ighodaro have already contributed goals and assists.
Kaizer Chiefs' new signings list for 2025/26
The transfer window for the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League ran from 1 July to 22 September, with Goal noting that the Amakhosi side secured 11 arrivals.
In an interview quoted by IOL, Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. outlined the club’s ambition in the 2025/26 window. He said:
We’re very excited, and we've always had a clear strategy about getting the best young talent… I think it’s all about the specific players we need for how we want to play.
New signings
Player Name | Position |
Ethan Chislett | Attacking Midfield |
Nkanyiso Shinga | Left-Back |
Flávio Silva | Centre-Forward |
Thabiso Monyane | Right-Back |
Paseka Mako | Left-Back |
Siphesihle Ndlovu | Central Midfield |
Asanele Velebayi | Right Winger |
Etiosa Ighodaro | Centre-Forward |
Luke Baartman | Centre-Forward |
Lebohang Maboe | Attacking Midfield |
Khanyisa Mayo | Centre-Forward |
Who is out and who left
Name of Player | Position |
Yusuf Maart | Central Midfield |
Tebogo Potsane | Right Winger |
Ranga Chivaviro | Centre-Forward |
Samkelo Zwane | Central Midfield |
Happy Mashiane | Left-Back |
Edmilson Dove | Centre-Back |
Edson Castillo | Central Midfield |
Mduduzi Mdantsane | Midfielder |
Bongani Sam | Left-Back |
Njabulo Blom | Central Midfield |
Sabelo Radebe | Midfielder or winger |
New players details
Below are details about the new Kaizer Chiefs players.
Ethan Chislett
Source: Instagram
Full name | Ethan Alexis Chislett |
Date of birth | 11 August 1998 |
Age | 27 years old (as of 2025) |
Position | Midfielder |
Joined from | Port Vale |
The Durban-born midfielder joined Chiefs on the opening day of the transfer window from English side Port Vale. He now wears the No. 23 shirt and announced his transfer on Instagram, saying:
Excited to join this huge club.
Nkanyiso Shinga
Source: Instagram
Full name | Nkanyiso Shinga |
Date of birth | 30 March 2000 |
Age | 25 years old (as of 2025) |
Position | Left-back |
Joined from | FC Alverca |
Nkanyiso Shinga is a South African left-back who joined the team from FC Alverca. He made over 22 appearances for the Portuguese side and now strengthens Chiefs’ defensive options. An Instagram reel, Kaizer Chiefs Football Club shared:
We are pleased to announce the signing of 25-year old Nkanyiso Shinga. The talented left-back is a versatile operator who can also play in midfield and attack. He will don jersey.
Flávio Silva
Source: Instagram
Full name | Flávio António da Silva |
Date of birth | 3 April 1996 |
Age | 29 years old (as of 2025) |
Position | Forward |
Joined from | Persebaya Surabaya |
Since joining the team, the Guinea-Bissau striker has scored four goals in eight competitions for Kaizer Chiefs. He now leads as their top goal scorer, according to ESPN, proving his value to the squad.
Thabiso Monyane
Source: Instagram
Full name | James Thabiso Monyane |
Date of birth | 30 April 2000 |
Age | 25 years old (as of 2025) |
Position | Right-back |
Joined from | Orlando Pirates |
The Chiefs secured the former Orlando Pirates right-back, who has made seven appearances for them. He wears the No. 2 shirt and is steadily building his game within the new team.
Paseka Mako
Source: Facebook
Full name | Paseka Matsobane Godfrey Mako |
Date of birth | 1 April 1994 |
Age | 31 years old (as of 2025) |
Position | Left-back |
Joined from | Orlando Pirates |
The South African defender has played left-back for Chippa United and Orlando Pirates. Paseka Mako signed for the Chiefs ahead of the 2025/26 season and has since made seven appearances.
Siphesihle Ndlovu
Source: Instagram
Full name | Siphesihle Ndlovu |
Date of birth | 30 September 1996 |
Age | 29 years old (as of 2025) |
Position | Midfielder |
Joined from | SuperSport United |
On July 4, 2025, the Chiefs signed Bafana Bafana midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu. He previously played for SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates.
Asanele Velebayi
Source: Instagram
Full name | Asanele Velebayi |
Date of birth | 11 December 2002 |
Age | 22 years old (as of 2025) |
Position | Winger |
Joined from | Cape Town Spurs |
In August 2025, Amakhosi reportedly secured the signing of South African winger Asanele Velebayi. He joined from Cape Town Spurs, where he made over 33 appearances. In an Instagram reel announcing his arrival at the club, Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr said:
He is a great addition, and we believe he will add significant value because he is a perfect fit for our game model and the culture we have here at the Club.
Etiosa Ighodaro
Source: Instagram
Full name | Etiosa Godspower Ighodaro |
Date of birth | 22 June 2001 |
Age | 24 years old (as of 2025) |
Position | Forward |
Joined from | Mamelodi Sundowns |
The Nigerian forward, signed from Mamelodi Sundowns, has been a key addition to the squad. He scored his first goal for Chiefs in their 3‑1 CAF Confederation Cup victory against Simba. Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr., said about him:
We warmly welcome Etiosa into the Kaizer Chiefs family. We’re excited that he has joined our journey. His passion, work rate and dedication will surely add to the team this season and beyond. We look forward to creating unforgettable moments together in the Gold & Black colours of the Glamour Boys. Here’s to new beginnings and the spirit of Amakhosi.
Luke Baartman
Source: Instagram
Full name | Luke Junio Baartman |
Date of birth | 12 June 2006 |
Age | 19 years old (as of 2025) |
Position | Forward |
Joined from | Cape Town Spurs |
As part of Kaizer Chiefs' done deals in the 2025/26 window, the club secured the signing of 19-year-old forward Luke Baartman. Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung announced:
We’re thrilled to welcome Luke to our team… He is an exciting young talent.
Lebohang Maboe
Source: Instagram
Full name | Lebohang Kgosana Maboe |
Date of birth | 17 September 1994 |
Age | 31 years old (as of 2025) |
Position | Midfielder/Forward |
Joined from | Mamelodi Sundowns |
The Bafana Bafana midfielder joined Kaizer Chiefs after a brief loan at SuperSport United. Although he has made only a few appearances so far, he adds depth to the midfield options.
Khanyisa Mayo
Source: Instagram
Full name | Khanyisa Mayo |
Date of birth | 27 August 1998 |
Age | 27 years old (as of 2025) |
Position | Forward |
Joined from | CR Belouizdad – Loan |
Following his stint at the Algerian side, the South African forward joined Chiefs on loan. He has made four appearances and scored once, strengthening Amakhosi’s attacking options.
Frequently asked questions
Are Kaizer Chiefs' new signings cleared to play?
The newly signed players for Kaizer Chiefs have been cleared to play and are competing in the CAF Confederation Cup. The squad earned praise from coaches Kaze and Ben Youssef, who told The Star after the draw with Zamalek:
I saw a team that believes in themselves, and that’s a team I believe is going to qualify.
Which players left the Kaizer Chiefs transfer window?
During the 2025/26 PSL window, nine players left Kaizer Chiefs. Departures included Mduduzi Mdantsane and Edmilson Dove to Al Quwa Al Jawiya, while Tebogo Potsane, Happy Mashiane, and Samkelo Zwane moved to Siwelele FC. Others released were Bongani Sam, Sabelo Radebe, Ranga Chivaviro, and Njabulo Blom.
Who has the Chiefs signed in 2025?
The rich football club secured over 11 new signings during the first 2025/26 transfer window. New players for Kaizer Chiefs include Flávio Silva, Khanyisa Mayo, and Etiosa Ighodaro.
Conclusion
The Kaizer Chiefs' new signings form part of Amakhosi’s broader aspirations for a stronger, more competitive squad. Their arrivals, alongside key departures, reflect a focused effort to reshape the team for the 2025/26 campaign.
READ MORE: Who is Lebohang Maboe? Kaizer Chiefs' new midfield star
As Briefly.co.za published, Lebohang rejoined his boyhood club (Kaizer Chiefs) in August 2025 after spending seven years at Mamelodi Sundowns. His father is Sidwell Maboe, a former Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates player.
Lebohang has earned 13 caps for the South African national team, Bafana Bafana. He is currently valued at €450,000.
Source: Briefly News
