The 2026/27 Betway Premiership transfer window officially closed on Monday, September 21, 2026, bringing an end to a busy period of squad restructuring at Kaizer Chiefs.
Under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz, Amakhosi made a series of changes to their playing squad, adding reinforcements while allowing a significant number of players to leave through permanent transfers, loans and other departures.
The club’s recruitment included players from Stellenbosch FC, Sekhukhune United and Azam FC, while several young players were sent out on loan to gain regular playing experience.
Chiefs also completed the permanent signing of Khanyisa Mayo from Algerian club CR Belouizdad in July following his loan spell at Naturena during the previous campaign.
Here is the full breakdown of the recorded Kaizer Chiefs incomings and outgoings for the 2026/27 campaign.
📥 Kaizer Chiefs Incomings
- Faiz Abrahams — joined from Stellenbosch FC on a season-long loan.
- Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko — signed from Tanzanian club Azam FC.
- Renaldo Leaner — joined from Sekhukhune United.
- Happy Mashiane — returned from his loan spell at Siwelele FC.
- Thabo Moloisane — joined from Stellenbosch FC.
- Langelihle Phili — joined from Stellenbosch FC.
- Samkelo Zwane — returned from his loan spell at Siwelele FC.
- Khanyisa Mayo — permanently signed from CR Belouizdad after his loan spell at Chiefs.
SuperSport’s final transfer-window roundup lists the first seven movements above as Chiefs’ July-September incomings.
🆕 New Arrivals
Thabo Moloisane strengthened the centre-back department after arriving from Stellenbosch FC, while goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner joined after leaving Sekhukhune United as a free agent. SuperSport reported that Leaner completed his move to Chiefs in July.
Chiefs also added Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko from Azam FC, while Langelihle Phili and Faiz Abrahams arrived from Stellenbosch FC, with Abrahams joining on loan.
🔙 Loan Returns
Two players also returned to Naturena following loan spells:
- Happy Mashiane — returned from Siwelele FC.
- Samkelo Zwane — returned from Siwelele FC.
Both players subsequently moved out again during the same transfer window, meaning their movements are recorded in both the incoming and outgoing sections.
📤 Kaizer Chiefs Outgoings
The club recorded 19 outgoing movements in SuperSport’s final transfer-window roundup.
Permanent Transfers and Departures
- Thabo Cele — joined Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Ashley du Preez — joined Stellenbosch FC.
- Siyabonga Gumede — joined Richards Bay FC.
- Happy Mashiane — subsequently departed after returning from his loan spell.
- George Matlou — joined Stellenbosch FC.
- Aden McCarthy — joined Sabah FK in Azerbaijan.
- Tashreeq Morris — joined Durban City FC.
- Given Msimango — joined Stellenbosch FC.
- Gaston Sirino — joined Durban City FC.
- Gopolong Taunyana — joined Stellenbosch FC.
Loan Departures
- Xolani Cossa — joined Gomora FC on loan.
- Naledi Hlongwane — joined Hope FC on loan.
- Ofentse Kgosana — joined Real Natives on loan.
- Vicky Mkhawana — joined Real Natives on loan.
- Bontle Molefe — joined Hope FC on loan.
- Fiacre Ntwari — joined Kruger United on loan.
- Pheko Phago — joined Hope FC on loan.
- Sfiso Timba — joined Gomora FC on loan.
- Samkelo Zwane — subsequently joined Hope FC on loan after returning from Siwelele.
SuperSport’s final roundup confirms these movements, including the loans involving Ntwari, Molefe, Hlongwane, Kgosana, Mkhawana, Phago, Timba, Cossa and Zwane.
⭐ Thabo Cele’s Move to Mamelodi Sundowns
One of the most notable departures from Naturena was Thabo Cele, who left Kaizer Chiefs and subsequently joined Mamelodi Sundowns on a free transfer.
The midfielder’s move was confirmed by Sundowns after his departure from Chiefs.
Cele’s exit marked one of the highest-profile domestic moves involving Chiefs during the transfer window.
🌍 Aden McCarthy Heads to Azerbaijan
Defender Aden McCarthy also completed an international move, joining Sabah FK in Azerbaijan.
Kaizer Chiefs confirmed the move in June, making McCarthy one of the club’s overseas departures during the current squad-building period.
🧤 Fiacre Ntwari Loaned to Kruger United
Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari moved to newly promoted Kruger United on a season-long loan.
The Rwanda international’s loan was also reported during the window, with Ntwari set to spend the 2026/27 campaign with the Mpumalanga-based club.
🔄 Happy Mashiane and Samkelo Zwane
The situations involving Happy Mashiane and Samkelo Zwane require some context.
Both players returned to Chiefs from loan spells at Siwelele FC, making them official incoming movements. However, neither remained at Naturena for the entire campaign.
Mashiane subsequently departed, while Zwane was sent out on loan to Hope FC.
For that reason, both players appear in the incoming and outgoing sections of this transfer review.
🏟️ Squad Reshaping at Naturena
Chiefs’ transfer activity reflects a combination of recruitment, loan management and squad trimming.
The club strengthened its defensive and midfield options with players such as Thabo Moloisane, Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko and Renaldo Leaner, while Faiz Abrahams and Langelihle Phili added further attacking options.
At the same time, several players moved to other Betway Premiership clubs, including Ashley du Preez, Given Msimango, Tashreeq Morris, Gaston Sirino and Thabo Cele.
A number of younger players were also sent out on loan, giving them opportunities to gain regular competitive football elsewhere.
With the window now closed, Fernando Da Cruz can turn his attention fully towards working with the squad at his disposal for the remainder of the campaign.
🟡 Looking Ahead
The transfer window may be closed, but the real assessment of Chiefs’ squad changes will come on the pitch.
The club will now look to integrate its new arrivals, manage its loan players and build consistency during the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign.
With a mixture of experienced players, new signings, returning loanees and emerging talent, Naturena enters the next phase of the season with a significantly reshaped squad.
🗣️ Have Your Say
What do you make of Kaizer Chiefs’ transfer-window activity?
Which new arrival are you most looking forward to seeing in action, and which departure will have the biggest impact on the squad?
Share your thoughts with Our Soccer Updates in the comments.
