With Kaizer Chiefs still in the thick of their transfer business, one former club favorite has stepped up to give his thoughts on the current player hunt.
Junior Khanye, a name that still resonates with Amakhosi fans, believes the club needs to make the right call—and fast.
Chiefs have reportedly shown interest in two rising stars from Cape Town Spurs: Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebayi.
But with legal complexities currently holding things up, the Soweto giants can’t make any moves just yet.
Junior Khanye Backs Baartman Over Velebayi
In a recent chat with Soccer Laduma, Khanye didn’t hold back.
“Out of the two players, I’m really hoping Chiefs land Baartman,” he said. “He’s got the right qualities for the club.”
But when it came to Velebayi, Khanye wasn’t as enthusiastic.
“I know there’s a lot of hype around him, but I don’t think he’s the type of player who’d shine at Chiefs,” he said frankly.
“He’s had solid moments at Cape Town Spurs and might suit another club better. Just not Amakhosi.”
Velebayi May Not Fit the Chiefs’ Mold
Khanye then drew comparisons to past players who impressed elsewhere but couldn’t deliver at Naturena.
“We’ve seen this story before with guys like Ranga Chivaviro and Lebogang Manyama.
They looked great at their former teams but couldn’t recreate that magic at Chiefs.”
His concern is that Velebayi could fall into the same trap—arriving with big expectations, only to struggle under the pressure that comes with wearing the gold and black.
Baartman Has the Talent but May Suit Pirates More
While Khanye believes Baartman has more raw talent and potential, he surprisingly suggested that the young player might be a better fit for Chiefs’ fierce rivals.
“Baartman is still very young and very talented. I think he’d thrive at a top club,” he said.
“But to be honest, I see him fitting in better at Orlando Pirates than at Chiefs.”
That’s a bold take—especially coming from a former Amakhosi winger.
What Should Chiefs Do Next?
As the transfer window continues to unfold, all eyes are on Kaizer Chiefs to see who they’ll bring in to bolster their squad.
Will it be Baartman? Velebayi? Or someone else entirely?
Let us know what you think. Should the club go after one of these Spurs players or explore other options?