Chiefs make bold moves with three new signings before transfer deadline

Kaizer Chiefs made a bold statement in the transfer market on Monday with the confirmation of three signings in Tashreeq Morris, Thabo Cele and Congolese forward Glody Makabi Lilepo.

The player additions come a day before the Premier Soccer League transfer deadline (Tuesday, 28 January) as well as the eagerly awaited Soweto derby showdown against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Morris, arriving from SuperSport United in a swap deal with Christian Saile, is expected to bolster Chiefs' attacking options.

"He (Morris) is an experienced striker who came highly recommended by coach (Nasreddine) Nabi and his technical team after their assessment. We wish him all the best in the gold and black colours while here with us,” Chiefs' sporting director, Kaizer Motaung Jr, said.

The departure of Congolese-born Saile cleared the way for Chiefs to add another foreign player, with Lilepo, a 27-year-old forward previously with French third-division club Valenciennes FC.

Alongside Morris and Lilepo, Chiefs also strengthened their midfield with the signing of former Bafana Bafana player Cele.

After parting ways with Russian side Fakel Voronezh, Cele joins the club on a three-and-a-half-year deal, providing much-needed stability and experience in the heart of the park.

Morris and Lilepo both penned two-and-a-half-year contracts with Amakhosi.

These key additions aim to reinforce Chiefs' squad as they prepare for the crucial derby clash.

"It's been a long time coming for Thabo, and we are both glad that he's finally here. We know his quality and we are looking forward to his contribution to the squad as we continue to build," Motaung said.

On Lilepo, Motaung said: "We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of a player (Lilepo) with