The latest transfer window has prompted Kaizer Chiefs to conduct their transfer business with an element of influence from their new head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Nabi adopted a squad thin on confidence following what happened last season and has pleaded for signings that will improve the team instead of merely adding numbers.
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Authorities at the club have responded by bringing in the experience of Inacio Miguel and Gaston Sirin, along with Rwandan international Fiacre Ntwari, beyond the additions of Rushwin Dortley and Bongani Sam.
Miguel, Sirino, Ntwari and Dortley will all be expected to be regulars, while with Sam, there are still question marks, which explains why the club has made efforts to bring Fawaaz Basadien and Riaan Hanamub as other left-back options.
The signings made by Chiefs in this window come at the back of incoming transfers that have done little to improve the club in the past.
From 34 signings made in the last five years, more than half are no longer at the club with plenty of those still at the club yet to justify their presence.
Those that have come and gone have done so based on performance-related reasons.
All signings from the 2019/20 season are no longer at the club and these are Lazarous Kambole, Kearyn Baccus, Teddy Akumu, James Kotei, Yagan Sasman and Samir Nurkovic.
The club was banned from making signings for the 2020/21 campaign, and with those brought in the next season, only Brandon Petersen remains.
Keagan Dolly, Sibusiso Mabiliso, Cole Alexander, Phathutshedzo Nange, Kgaogelo Sekgota, S'fiso Hlanti, Njabulo Ngcobo and Austin Thabani Dube are all no longer at the club, based on performance.
From the 2022/23 signings – Siyethemba Sithebe, Kamohelo Mahlatsi and Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana have all since been released, while Ashley Du Preez, Christian Saile Basomboli, Yusuf Maart, Zitha Kwinika, Edmilson Dove, Lehlogonolo Matlou and Dillan Solomons remain but must still prove their worth.
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From last season – Colombian striker Efmamjjasond Gonzalez has returned to Bolivia, while Tebogo Potsane, Mduduzi Mdantsane, Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Ranga Chivaviro are yet to give Chiefs their best.
Pule Mmodi has blown hot and cold, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe had injury concerns, Edson Castillo needs to be consistent, while Given Msimango still needs to stamp his command at the back.