As Kaizer Chiefs embrace modern scouting by joining the global transfer
platform TransferRoom, the club’s recent history serves as a cautionary
tale. In the last decade, several foreign signings arrived with promise
but failed to deliver at Naturena. Here are ten such imports who did not
live up to expectations.
1. Christian Saile
The DR Congo striker showed early promise after joining in January 2019
but struggled to settle into a defined role, managing only seven goals in
57 appearances.
2. Kearyn Baccus
Hailed as a potential successor to Doctor Khumalo upon his July 2019
arrival, the Australian midfielder disappointed with just two goals in 52
games.
3. Lazarous Kambole
Signed from Zesco United in July 2019 with a strong CAF Champions League
pedigree, the Zambian forward scored only twice in 46 matches.
4. Gustavo Páez
The Venezuelan striker arrived in January 2017 with experience in Spain
and Italy but underwhelmed, netting ten times in 53 outings.
5. Camaldine Abraw
Joining in 2015 after impressing at Free State Stars, the Togolese striker
was limited to just six goals in 28 games for Amakhosi.
6. Edmore Chirambadare
Part of a much-mocked dual signing from Zimbabwe, the winger showed
flickers of promise but scored only once in 27 appearances.
7. Godfrey Walusimbi
Brought in from Gor Mahia in August 2018 to solve the left-back problem,
the Ugandan failed to settle and was released after just 17 games.
8. Michelle Katsvairo
The Zimbabwean forward arrived in 2015 but was deemed not up to standard,
scoring twice in 14 matches before departing.
9. James Kotei
Signed on a free from Simba SC in July 2019, the Ghanaian midfielder left
six months later without making a single appearance.
10. Jasond González
The latest on the list, the Colombian striker joined on loan in August
2023 but failed to score in any of his 13 games, despite his physical
presence.
The Lesson for a New Era
As Chiefs turn to TransferRoom to refine their recruitment, this decade of
disappointing imports highlights the critical need for smarter,
data-informed scouting to ensure future signings can truly wear the famous
gold and black with distinction.
