Soweto, South Africa – In a move confirming widespread speculation, Kaizer Chiefs have officially announced that striker Ranga Chivaviro will not be offered a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of the 2024/25 DStv Premiership season. The news, posted directly on the Official Kaizer Chiefs page, marks the end of a challenging spell for the forward at Naturena.
Chivaviro, who joined Chiefs at the start of the 2023/24 season with high expectations following a prolific spell at Marumo Gallants, struggled to replicate his goalscoring form consistently in the famous gold and black. Despite flashes of potential, the 31-year-old found game time limited and goals hard to come by, failing to cement a regular starting berth.
The club’s official statement, while brief and professional, simply confirmed the non-renewal, thanking Chivaviro for his service and wishing him well for the future. His departure clears both a squad position and likely frees up significant wage space as Head Coach Nasreddine Nabicontinues his major rebuild of the Glamour Boys’ squad.
Enter Monnapule Saleng: The Long-Awaited Target Says Yes?
As one door closes, another potentially swings wide open. In a development that will electrify the Amakhosi faithful, multiple close sources are now reporting that Nabi’s primary attacking target, Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng, has finally given his agreement to a sensational cross-Soweto move.
Saleng, a fan favourite at Pirates and one of the most exciting attackers in the league, has long been admired by Nabi. The Moroccan coach reportedly sees the 25-year-old dynamo as the perfect creative spark and goalscoring threat to revitalize Chiefs’ often-stagnant attack. While Orlando Pirates have remained publicly reluctant to sell to their fiercest rivals, the sources indicate that Saleng himself has now communicated his desire to join Kaizer Chiefs.
This potential transfer remains complex.Negotiations between the two clubs are expected to be tough, with Pirates likely demanding a substantial fee for a player entering the final year of his contract and who was the PSL’s joint-top goalscorer in the 2022/23 season. However, Saleng’s reported willingness to make the switch significantly increases the pressure on the Buccaneers.
What This Means for Nabi’s Chiefs:
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Clearout Continues: Chivaviro’s exit is part of a broader squad overhaul under Nabi, focusing on moving players who haven’t met expectations and reshaping the team in his image.
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Major Statement of Intent: Securing Saleng would be a colossal coup for Chiefs. It signals serious ambition and Nabi’s determination to acquire proven, top-tier PSL talent capable of changing games instantly. His pace, dribbling, creativity, and eye for goal are precisely what Chiefs have lacked.
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Tactical Shift: Saleng’s arrival (if finalized) would likely see Chiefs deploy a more dynamic, wide-attacking system, leveraging his ability to cut inside from the left flank or operate more centrally – a stark contrast to the struggles of the past season.
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Fan Excitement: After a trophyless decade, the prospect of landing a star like Saleng, combined with Nabi’s rebuilding project, is sure to ignite massive optimism among the Amakhosi supporters.
The Road Ahead:
While Ranga Chivaviro’s departure is now official, the Monnapule Saleng saga enters a critical phase. Chiefs fans will be holding their breath, hoping their club can successfully navigate the tricky negotiations with Orlando Pirates to land their prized target. If Nabi can pull off this signing, it would be the clearest signal yet that Kaizer Chiefs are truly serious about mounting a sustained challenge for silverware in the seasons to come. The 2024/25 off-season is proving to be one of the most pivotal in recent Chiefs history.
