Kaizer Chiefs find themselves back in the spotlight as controversy swirls around a proposed stadium development that has been mired in neglect for nearly two decades. The spotlight was reignited on March 23, 2025, when Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Liam Jacobs took to social media to post a video highlighting the dilapidated state of a stadium site in Mogale City, which was initially proposed for the Chiefs club. The failed project has been viewed by some as emblematic of unfulfilled promises surrounding public projects in South Africa.
In his video post, Jacobs revealed the abandoned site, formerly intended to be a 55,000 all-seater stadium just 40 kilometers from Johannesburg’s central business district. The initial estimates placed the development cost at around R695 million. Although it was envisioned to be ready by December 2008, the project never materialized. “And the stadium is now in a bad space. It’s an example of a promise of a public project that never came to fulfillment,” Jacobs explained in remarks shared with Soccer Laduma.
This stadium plan was part of a broader agreement that involved the Gauteng Provincial government, Mogale City, Lefika Emerging Equity, and Kaizer Chiefs, intended to develop a state-of-the-art facility for the team and the community. However, as Jacobs pointed out, the necessary funds were never secured. He elaborated: “What needs to be done now is to renovate the stadium as it’s one of the best around the area and it was amongst the top five for cycling in the world.” Jacobs underscored that, during his period in power in Mogale City back in 2021, attempts to restore the stadium were made, yet those efforts ultimately fell short.
In response to Jacobs’ video, sources within Kaizer Chiefs downplayed the relevance of the post, emphasizing that the proposed stadium had long since been forgotten. A club insider stated, “This story died long ago. Not sure what the guy is trying to do. There is no story here. Someone is just trying to be relevant with something that is not relevant at this moment at all.” While the club did not officially respond to inquiries regarding Jacobs’ comments, the prevailing sentiment among Chiefs insiders was a sense of indifference to the resurfacing discussions about a defunct project.
Kaizer Chiefs, currently competing fiercely in the South African soccer scene, are navigated by mounting pressures to improve their standings and augment their squad. The club is reportedly on the prowl for new talent as they bolster their midfield and wing positions ahead of the next season. This brings us to the uncertain future of player Tebogo Potsane, whose time at Chiefs has been fraught with challenges.
Potsane, whose contract runs until June 2026, has seen limited playing time this season, featuring in only a few matches following recovery from an injury. As the club aims to recruit four to five new players across various positions, the speculation surrounding Potsane's future hangs heavy. An insider from Naturena indicated, “His future is still hanging in the balance now. The team is working on bringing in new players.” The insider clarified that this influx of talent could directly affect his position on the squad.
Moreover, another source mentioned that the Chiefs' management is considering downsizing their current roster to cultivate a more effective and competitive team. “Some of these players could have been released this season, but there were injuries and uncertainties on other areas. But now it's believed that the coach has made it clear that they need a sizeable, workable squad,” the second insider reported.
As Chiefs assess their roster, they are also poised to make tough decisions regarding current players. Among those under scrutiny is defender Zitha Kwinika, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Kwinika’s return to the club in 2022 was marked by initial success; however, the current campaign has seen him slide down the squad's selection hierarchy.
Having made minimal appearances—only 14 minutes of action in a win over Sekhukhune United—speculation is growing regarding his future. Kwinika has made the matchday squad 11 times yet continues to remain an outsider looking in. Given the club's intention to streamline its player roster, Kwinika’s tenure with Chiefs appears increasingly precarious.
As the season progresses, the fate of these players will be intertwined with the club’s recruitment strategy. With a team rejuvenation underway and the specter of past projects hanging over them, Kaizer Chiefs must navigate the coming months carefully to ensure that their ambitions on and off the pitch are fulfilled.
