Kaizer Chiefs have admitted that they face significant challenges in getting a women’s team off the ground as a professional unit

Marketing Director Jessica Motaung has suggested that current league rules surrounding women’s football sets up challenges in funding teams.

WHY KAIZER CHIEFS DON’T HAVE A WOMEN’S TEAM

The club feel that they should be allowed to find sponsors outside of the official league patrons.

Motaung said things need to change.

“It’s very challenging to have any club, whether it’s a men’s club or women’s club – or just a youth club. You need the funding, you need the facilities, you need all sorts of things,” said Motaung.

“I mean, if you look at the Hollywoodbets [Super League], which I’m very proud of – I think it’s very good that we have a league like that.

“There just needs to be a structural change in that we need to be able to allow clubs – and I know Sundowns have also asked and really pushed – to have their own sponsors, we need boards to be able to let our sponsors advertise.

“These are challenges – it’s not just, you have a team and that’s it. You need the money to fund it and, to do that, sponsors need the exposure.

“So we are in discussions with SAFA to say, if we have a women’s team, how can we all work together to restructure this so that it’s a win-win for the teams, the sponsors that come in, and for the main sponsor that SAFA has as well.

“So, it’s a collaborative process, and I think we need to look at ourselves as an industry and say, ‘How do we modify this and make sure that it’s a win-win for everybody.’”

Orlando Pirates also do not have their own women’s team.

COULDN’T THEY JUST BUY A TEAM?

There has been some suggestion that Chiefs have the financial clout to buy out an exisiting team which could be moved in at Naturena.

Motaung revealed that such talks had taken place but no deals could be agreed: “We’ve also been talking with different teams to look at the opportunity of buying into a team, and that has its challenges as well,” Motaung revealed.

“People are buying statuses and things like that, but we want to do things properly. That’s something we’re looking at all the options to make sure we can make it happen.”

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Kaizer Chiefs boss makes frustrating R18 million Mayo admission

Kaizer Chiefs Marketing Director Jessica Motaung has made a statement regarding the club’s failed pursuit of Khanyisa Mayo.

MAYO WAS CLOSE TO JOINING CHIEFS

Jessica Motaung has revealed that Khanyisa Mayo wanted to make a move to Kaizer Chiefs. The 25-year-old sealed a switch to Algerian side CR Belouizdad for a fee in the region of R18 million.

It’s also nice when you get a player who really wants to play for you,” Motaung told Radio 2000 via SoccerLaduma.

He really wanted to play for us and it’s unfortunate that they [his management and team] had a vision to have him play overseas” she added.

TRANSFER WRAP

Chiefs have signed seven players so far in this window but only one is an attack-minded option; Gaston Sirino from Sundowns. The search for a prolific striker continues. The club has invested heavily in their options at the back, while Nasreddine Nabi has hinted that they’re are still actively seeking two attackers.

• Rushwin Dortley – R10 million
• Fiacre Ntwari – R5.5 million
• Inacio Miguel – R4.5 million
• Bradley Cross – R3.5 million
• Bongani Sam – Free
• Gaston Sirino – Free
• Njabulo Blom – Season-long loan

TOTAL SPEND: R23.5 million

DEFENCE COMES FIRST

Chiefs have invested heavily in new central defenders this window with R14.5 million spent on Rushwin Dortley (R10 million) and Inacio Miguel (R4.5 million). Both expect to play a significant role in 2024-2025, but where does that leave existing defenders Spiwe Msimango and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe? Both are senior men and highly regarded.

INJURY UPDATE AT NATURENA

The Betway Premiership season kicks off next weekend and Chiefs have received a triple injury boost with Tebogo Potsane, Dillan Solomons and Bongani Sam nearing a return. The developments on Mduduzi Mdantsane and George Matlou aren’t quite as positive.