Kaizer Chiefs are setting their sights on Tanzanian winger Denis Kibu, with coach Nasreddine Nabi reportedly eager to bring the Simba SC star to Naturena as part of a major squad overhaul. After a tumultuous season in which the Glamour Boys finished well outside the top positions in the Premiership, despite clinching the Nedbank Cup, Nabi is determined to reshape his squad and restore Chiefs’ status as a dominant force in South African football.
The 2024/25 campaign was a rollercoaster for Chiefs. While the club lifted the Nedbank Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over archrivals Orlando Pirates, their league form was far from convincing. Critics, including former Orlando Pirates legend Benedict Vilakazi, have not held back. Pointing to Chiefs’ disappointing eighth-place finish and inconsistent performances throughout the season. For many fans, the cup triumph was a rare bright spot in an otherwise forgettable year.
Eyes on Denis Kibu
Coach Nasreddine Nabi, the first Tunisian to win the Nedbank Cup, wants to build a team in his own image. Central to his plans is the acquisition of Denis Kibu. He is a 26-year-old winger whose speed and directness have made him a standout performer for Simba SC in Tanzania’s Ligi Kuu Bara and continental competitions.
Kibu’s recent form has been impressive. In the 2024/25 season, he has netted six goals in 14 competitive matches, averaging 0.43 goals per game. A notable return for a wide player. In the CAF Confederation Cup, he scored three goals in six appearances, all at home. With a goals-per-90-minutes rate of 0.54. While not yet prolific in terms of assists, his ability to get into scoring positions has not gone unnoticed.
How Kibu Could Fit at Chiefs
Kibu is most comfortable on the left wing but is versatile enough to play across the front line. His pace, dribbling, and willingness to take on defenders would add a new dimension to Chiefs’ often blunt attack. With Nabi’s tactical familiarity with East African football, the transition could be smoother for Kibu. Making him an ideal candidate to inject energy and unpredictability into the Amakhosi’s forward line.
As Chiefs prepare for a busy transfer window, securing a player of Kibu’s calibre would signal their intent to challenge for top honours again. With continental football on the horizon thanks to their Nedbank Cup win, the arrival of Denis Kibu could be the first step in a much-needed revival at Naturena.