Chiefs Shake Up Roster: Three Key Signings Ready for 2025 Challenge

Amakhosi pull in international talent while bringing local flair back home as PSL and CAF Confederation Cup loom

Kaizer Chiefs are making a loud statement this July: they’re ready to rewrite the story of South African football. After seasons of missed chances and mounting pressure from fans, the Soweto giants have revealed the first three signings of their 2025/26 campaign, each representing a different corner of the football map.

From Europe to Indonesia and back to Durban, the new recruits signal not just a squad refresh, but a deeper strategy: to build a more versatile, attack-minded team capable of handling the dual demands of the PSL and the CAF Confederation Cup.

Flavio Silva: The Finisher from Guinea-Bissau

The first headline name on the sheet is Flavio Silva, a 28-year-old striker fresh off a stint with Persebaya Surabaya in Indonesia. With nine goals in 33 matches last season and a blistering 30 in 45 the year before at Persik Kediri, Silva brings a clinical edge that Chiefs have sorely lacked.

Portuguese by nationality and Guinea-Bissau born, Silva will wear jersey #77 and is expected to be the spearhead of the attack. His arrival has already sparked optimism among supporters hoping to finally see consistency in front of the goal.

Ethan Chislett: Midfield Vision with Global Footprints

Next in line is Ethan Chislett, a 26-year-old attacking midfielder returning to South Africa after developing his career abroad. Born in Durban, Chislett has played in both England and Spain, most recently impressing at Port Vale with his sharp assists and link-up play.

Chiefs have been in desperate need of a playmaker who can unlock tight defences, and Chislett looks like the answer. The creative midfielder’s overseas polish and tactical vision could make him the heartbeat of the new squad.

Image 1: Sports Club

Nkanyiso Shinga: The Flexible Force Returns

Rounding out the trio is Nkanyiso Shinga, a name not well-known locally yet. At 25, the Durban-born defender has spent the last seven years in Portugal, climbing the ranks at FC Alverca. Now, he’s back to make his debut in the PSL.

Wearing jersey #74, Shinga brings versatility to the left flank, equally comfortable at the back, in midfield, or pushing into wide attacking roles. In a league where tactical switches are crucial, he’s a valuable chess piece for the Chiefs’ technical team.

Pre-Season Starts in Europe

All three signings will travel with the full Chiefs squad to the Netherlands on Thursday, 3 July, where the team will undergo an intensive pre-season training camp. It’s a chance for bonding, strategy, and building early chemistry before the season kicks off in August.

With both domestic and continental titles in sight, Chiefs are clearly using this window to build depth and resilience.

Fans Weigh In

The response from fans online has been a mix of hope, excitement, and cautious belief.

“Finally, someone who can score goals consistently!” said one fan on X, referring to Silva.
“Chislett could be the creative spark we’ve missed since Billiat left,” another added.

After years of disappointing finishes, Amakhosi supporters are hungry for glory, and this feels like a fresh start.

More Moves on the Way?

The Club has confirmed that more signings are likely before the transfer window closes. This first wave of new players hints at a larger rebuild that fans have been calling for.

For now, these three represent the first real glimpse of what the future of Kaizer Chiefs could look like: experienced, adaptive, and more globally integrated than ever before.

Also read: “Pressure’s a Privilege”: Swart Leads Banyana into WAFCON 2025 Showdown

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Source: Kaizer Chiefs FC Website

Featured Image: X (formerly known Twitter)/@SuperSportBETza