Elias Mokwana: Bafana Bafana Star Linked With Move to Kaizer Chiefs As Glody Lilepo’s Replacement

Elias Mokwana: Bafana Bafana Star Linked With Move to Kaizer Chiefs As Glody Lilepo’s Replacement

  • Kaizer Chiefs were strongly linked with Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana, but recent reports suggest a move to Naturena is unlikely
  • Algerian giants MC Alger and JS Kabylie have submitted official offers to Esperance for the 26-year-old attacker
  • Clubs from the UAE, Egypt and Morocco's Botola Pro have also registered interest in Mokwana ahead of the transfer window closing

Kaizer Chiefs appear set to miss out on Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana, with multiple clubs from Algeria, the UAE, Egypt and Morocco now competing for his signature ahead of his expected departure from Tunisian club Esperance.

Bafana Bafana, Elias Mokwana, Kaizer Chiefs.
Bafana Bafana forward Elias Mokwana is linked with a possible move to Kaizer Chiefs this summer. Photo: Billel Bensalem.
Source: Getty Images

The Glamour Boys had been strongly linked with the 26-year-old attacker two seasons ago, before Esperance moved swiftly to sign him from Premier Soccer League side Sekhukhune United.

In his debut season in North Africa, Mokwana featured in 38 matches across all competitions, including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, contributing seven goals and four assists.

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Mokwana's loan spell in Saudi Arabia

Last season, Esperance sent the versatile winger on loan to Saudi Pro League club Al Hazem. He played a key role for the side, though his direct goal contributions were limited to four, one goal and three assists across the campaign.

With his loan spell concluded, speculation around his next destination has intensified. According to iDiski Times, Algerian clubs MC Alger and JS Kabylie have both tabled official offers to Esperance, while clubs from the UAE, Egypt and an unnamed Botola Pro side have also made contact with the Tunisian outfit regarding their terms.

The same report indicated that Mokwana's transfer could be finalised within the next few weeks, with the player keen to rediscover his best form before the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign begins for the South Africa national team.

Amakhosi rebuild continues

For Kaizer Chiefs, the transfer window has presented its own set of challenges. The club has already lost creative midfielder Gaston Sirino, and reports suggest that Glody Lilepo could also be heading for the exit and would need a replacement this summer.

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On the incoming side, Amakhosi have confirmed the signings of former Stellenbosch FC defender Thabo Moloisane and goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, who impressed at Sekhukhune United before departing as a free agent.

With Mokwana now firmly in the sights of clubs outside South Africa, Kaizer Chiefs will need to look elsewhere to address their attacking needs for the upcoming season.

Kaizer Chiefs warned against selling top star

Briefly News also reported that Kaizer Chiefs were warned over the possibility of selling one of their star players during this summer transfer window.

The Soweto giants are reportedly considering the player's sale after dropping him from the squad that travelled to Spain for pre-season.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over seven years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@briefly.co.za.