Kaizer Chiefs have bolstered their squad with the signing of three new players just ahead of their eagerly awaited Soweto derby showdown against Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership on Saturday. The club confirmed the arrivals of attackers Tashreeq Morris and Glody Makabi Lilepo, along with midfielder Thabo Cele.
Morris, a former SuperSport United striker, joins the Amakhosi ranks alongside Lilepo, who arrives from French third-division side Valenciennes FC. Cele, a former Bafana Bafana international, was signed as a free agent after parting ways with Russian club Fakel Voronezh.
Morris and Lilepo have both agreed to two-and-a-half-year deals, while Cele has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Soweto giants. Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr expressed his optimism about the trio’s arrival, believing their experience and quality will play a pivotal role in helping Chiefs break their decade-long trophy drought.
“It’s been a long time coming for Thabo, and we are both glad that he’s finally here,” said Motaung. “We know his quality and look forward to his contribution to the squad as we continue to build.”
On Morris, Motaung added: “We would like to welcome Tashreeq to the Amakhosi family. He is an experienced striker who came highly recommended by coach Nabi and his technical team after their assessment. We wish him all the best in the Gold and Black colours while here with us.”
Regarding Lilepo, Motaung said: “We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of a player with his experience. We’ll do our utmost to help him settle in quickly and look forward to seeing him in action soon.”
Lilepo, who is 27 years old, brings a wealth of international experience to Chiefs, with 11 caps for the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is primarily a right-winger known for his dribbling ability and goal-scoring threat, qualities that are expected to excite the Amakhosi faithful.
The forward has been in impressive form for Valenciennes this season, netting four goals and providing two assists in 16 appearances. His previous stints include notable spells at Al Hilal in Sudan and AS Vita in the DRC, where he enjoyed success in the CAF Champions League, scoring eight goals in 16 matches for Al Hilal.
The club confirmed that Lilepo will join the squad once his work permit is finalized by the relevant authorities.
With the arrival of these three players, Chiefs are looking to strengthen their squad and challenge for silverware as they aim to return to their glory days and end a frustrating period without major trophies.
