WORLD CLASS INDEED:Kaizer Chiefs target proven winner with ‘unbelievable’ technical ability
Kaizer Chiefs are exploring three midfield deals. One is a skilful schemer with six Betway Premiership titles to his name.
Chiefs chase Mkhulise
According to Freddie Hiney, Chiefs are interested in formulating an approach for Sundowns’ technically gifted midfield schemer Sphelele Mkhulise. The 28-year-old from Pietermaritzburg has three goals from eight appearances across all competitions this term. However, he only made 15 league appearances for the champions last term. Overall, he’s made 156 appearances for them, scoring 10 goals and supplying five assists.
“Kaizer Chiefs are targeting Mkhulise…he’s not playing much so he might be open to a new challenge, especially under [coach] Nabi. Seeing how well [Gastón] Sirino is doing might be key in luring him.”
Before concluding that the “Chiefs are trying to understand Mkhulise’s situation with Sundowns.”
Kaizer Chiefs
The Naturena Village in all its glory. Image: Ernest Makhaya
Is Mkhulise an underachiever?
Sundowns boss Manqoba Mngqithi is clearly huge fan and believer in Mkhulise’s capabilities as a footballer. However, there’s a proviso.
Despite his limited playing time and strong interest from Kaizer Chiefs, coach Manqoba Mngqithi is determined to keep him; “no chance”, he replied to Soccer Laduma following a question about the possibility of Mkhulise moving in.
“That’s something we are trying to inspire in him because he is that player during rondo that would show how poor other people are with technique. Because technically, he is unbelievable,” he continued.
“Personally, he has not arrived where I think he can arrive. He is one player I’ve felt has a realistic chance of going overseas. That was even before Percy [Tau] went overseas. I believe, technically, he takes care of the ball better than the so-called big players.
“He is very good technically, but if you are an offensive player and your numbers don’t count in goals scored and assists, assisting the assist, box entries, high intensity of running into the box…if it does not show in your metrics, then the question is what makes you an offensive player than being a defensive player? Those are the things I have personally spoken to him about that.”
Would Mkhulise be a good fit for Chiefs? Has he been productive enough in front of goal for an attacking midfielder?