With the season drawing to a close, Kaizer Chiefs are believed to have already started efforts to strengthen the side for 2025/26 and shortlisted several targets for the next transfer window.
Chiefs are aiming to at least secure a top-four finish come May when the curtain falls on the current campaign.
That task, however, is complicated by the side's lacklustre form, which now sees them slumping to eighth on the standings with 22 games clocked.
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At the core of the ambitions for the near future is the need to strengthen the squad, and this is where the Soweto giants' hierarchy is understood to be making moves behind the scenes.
According to impeccable sources, Amakhosi already have a clear idea of which areas need strengthening.
At the top of the list is the need for a striker with most of the goals this season having come from the supporting attackers: Gaston Sirino, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Wandile Duba.
Ranga Chivaviro has struggled at number nine, as has Ashley Du Preez when he has been available to play. New signing Tashreeq Morris was a compromise and is yet to register a goal.
Chiefs previously saw bids for Fiston Mayele rejected and could not reach an agreement with Lebo Mothiba, who later joined Mamelodi Sundowns.
They are expected to try once more to land Mayele's signature.
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The second priority on the club's list is a left-back. Having tried to address the left-back position, they saw two bids for prime target Fawaaz Basadien rejected by Stellenbosch FC.
Eventually, the Glamour Boys settled on Bradley Cross and Bongani Sam, who have both struggled to nail down a starting berth. Plans to go back to Stellies with a revised offer are said to be afoot.
With the future of Reeve Frosler up in the air, Chiefs have also engaged Richards Bay FC over the services of right-back Lwandile Mabuya.
Despite the arrival of Thabo Cele, the signing of a central midfielder is understood to still be another priority. Stellenbosch midfielder Sihle Nduli is believed to be a target, as is Feisal Salum from Tanzania side Azam FC.
It would not be the first team the side begin their transfer business before the end of a season. Amakhosi completed an agreement with TS Galaxy for Given Msimango in April, after having signed Thatayaone Ditlhokwe in January on a pre-contractual agreement.
On the pitch, Chiefs return to action with an away clash against Golden Arrows on 30 March.