When a big-name club like Kaizer Chiefs brings in a new striker, expectations shoot through the roof.
Fans want goals, flair, and instant impact. That’s the kind of pressure Flavio Silva walked into when he joined Amakhosi — and former Chiefs goal machine Collins Mbesuma has now weighed in on what he’s seen so far.
Silva’s Quiet Start Doesn’t Tell the Full Story
Silva, 29, was signed in July and was part of the club’s pre-season tour in the Netherlands.
While he didn’t manage to find the net in Europe, he offered flashes of promise — especially in the Toyota Cup clash against Asante Kotoko two weeks ago, where he looked more in sync with the team’s rhythm.
But for Mbesuma, talent alone isn’t enough — there’s work to be done if Silva’s going to thrive in the gold and black.
Mbesuma Says the Pressure at Chiefs Is Real
Speaking to KickOff, the former Zambian international didn’t mince words.
He believes playing up front for Chiefs comes with intense pressure — not just from the coaching staff, but from the fans in the stands.
“At a club like Chiefs, there’s always pressure,” Mbesuma said. “The fans expect goals and trophies.
That’s the standard. Until the team starts winning silverware consistently, every player will feel that weight — especially new signings.”
The New Man Needs to Be More Aggressive in the Box
Mbesuma acknowledged that Silva has had some encouraging moments, but says there’s still plenty of room for improvement — particularly when it comes to his movement inside the penalty area.
“The new striker has shown glimpses, but I want to see more runs into the box,” he explained.
“He needs to spend more time in dangerous positions and be more aggressive inside the 18-yard area.”
Referring to Silva’s performance in a recent match at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Mbesuma added that the forward spent too much time drifting wide instead of staying central where he could pose more of a threat.
Can Silva Be the Answer for Chiefs?
With the new season just getting underway, the big question remains: can Flavio Silva rise to the challenge and deliver the goals Amakhosi so desperately need?
Mbesuma believes the potential is there — but it’s going to take more sharpness, smarter positioning, and a willingness to take charge in the final third.