January transfer window could throw Kaizer Chiefs a lifeline as goalscoring woes persist

Dipping into the upcoming transfer market in January may be the solution to Kaizer Chiefs’ persistent goalscoring woes.

On Sunday, Chiefs’ campaign in the Betway Premiership took another frustrating turn when their struggles in front of goal resurfaced. They were held to a goalless draw by TS Galaxy in Mbombela — a result that should ideally have yielded three points with better execution in the final third.

After 13 Premiership games, the team continues to grapple with a striking conundrum: it has scored just 13 goals. Four of those goals came in an early November 4-1 win over Orbit. The Chiefs squandered multiple scoring opportunities on Sunday, underscoring the desperate need for more clinical finishing.

The nightmarish performance in front of goal proved costly, with Chiefs’ co-head coach Khalil Ben Youssef reflecting on the need for improvement. However, he did not commit to recruitment as a solution.

“I don’t know about signing new players. There is still time to think about it, and we will discuss it,” said Youssef, clearly frustrated by his side’s inefficiency in converting draws into victories.

Youssef is aware that these consistent misses at crucial moments could easily have turned into wins. The side’s solid defence, which has conceded only six goals this season, recorded its ninth clean sheet in 13 league matches.

Not all was lost, as there was a silver lining in the much-anticipated debut of 19-year-old forward Luke Baartman. He finally made his first appearance for the team following a lengthy transfer from Cape Town Spurs.

“Baartman is a Chiefs player, and all our players deserve to play,” said Youssef, hinting at a more dynamic attacking strategy to come.

With the team currently sitting fourth in the league and having lost only once in 13 matches, the potential for upward movement remains evident. Their upcoming fixtures could hold the key to reigniting their goalscoring form in 2026.

The next challenge comes in January 2025, when Chiefs host Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium. This match will serve as a vital opportunity to regain momentum in the league and as preparation for their ongoing CAF Confederation Cup campaign, where the team has struggled, managing only one point from matches against formidable Egyptian opponents Al Masry and Zamalek.

As Chiefs prepare to face ZESCO United of Zambia during the weekend of January 23–25, the urgency to bolster their scoring capabilities will be paramount if they wish to compete effectively on multiple fronts.

Fans remain hopeful for a swift resolution to the goal drought as the team strives to maintain its position at the top of the league while making a statement in international competition.