IN A bid to boost their chances of reclaiming the Absa Premiership title, Kaizer Chiefs have set their sights on the global market to enhance their talent pool.
The Soweto giants are pulling out all the stops in an attempt to beef up their squad. And this means casting their net far and wide in search of players who can turn Amakhosi’s fortunes around.
This bold step was evidenced recently, when four overseas hopefuls were invited for trials at the club’s base in Naturena, south of Joburg.
The players include striker Gustavo Paez (26) from Italy and defenders Pedro Henrique Dias De Amorim (24) from Brazil, Miracle Gabeya (20) from Malawi and Oliver Toure (19) from the Ivory Coast.
If the hopefuls impress coach Steve Komphela, Chiefs will have a different flavour to their setup when the league resumes next month.
Amakhosi will host Free State Stars in their first league game of the New Year on 7 February at the FNB Stadium in Joburg.
The Premiership is on recess due to the Africa Cup of Nations tournament starting in Gabon from Saturday until 5 February.
But this pause is will serve as a great time for Komphela to reflect on last season’s performance.
Chiefs had ended their 2016 campaign in fourth place with 24 points in 15 games, putting them just one point behind rivals SuperSport United.
Five players went into the break with an injury: George Lebese (back problem), William Twala (calf muscle), Tsepo Masilela (groin), Enocent Mkhabela (abdominal pain) and Itumeleng Khune, who sat on the bench for the last few matches as a result of back pain.
The medical team will assess the players and a full injuries update will be provided.
Willard Katsande is away on international duty with Zimbabwe in Gabon.
While, Emmanuel Letlotlo, Lorenzo Gordinho, Siyanda Ngezana and Ryan Moon are away with English Championship side, Fulham, on an experimental visit. They are due back on Thursday.
Meanwhile, defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns have reaped the rewards of bringing in talents from South America to bolster their squad.
Striker Leonardo Castro from Colombia has been scoring goals for the Brazilians, while defender Ricardo Nascimento has been rock solid at the back.
