Kaizer Chiefs introduced the club’s latest signings to a packed media centre at Naturena on Tuesday, 23 June 2015.

Daniel Cardoso, Keegan Ritchie, Siyanda Xulu, Bongani Ndulula and Camaldine Abraw were presented to the public for the first time as Kaizer Chiefs players by the club’s football manager Bobby Motaung, flanked by newly appointed head coach Steve Komphela. The men will strengthen Amakhosi’s squad for the defence of the Absa Premiership title won in handsome style last season.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome all the new players into the Kaizer Chiefs family,” he said. “Each of these players is an accomplished footballer with all the right credentials to represent Kaizer Chiefs and we have every confidence that their talent will help to propel the club to further success.”

The 26-year-old defender Cardoso has signed from Free State Stars on a three year contract and will wear jersey #4. Komphela was thrilled to be reunited with the tall stopper, who has already been capped at full international level. “I am happy to have the opportunity to work with Daniel again. He has all the attributes to make a top class defender and his arrival here will give him the scope to reach his full potential as a player.”

Keegan Ritchie, 24, returns to the club after a spell overseas and a successful stint at Bloemfontein Celtic. He signed a two year deal and will wear the #23 jersey. “Keegan is a very talented player and we look forward to reaping the benefits of the experience gained since he was here last time,” said Komphela.

The third defender to join the Glamour Boys is Siyanda Xulu, signed from Russian club FC Rostov. The 23-year-old Bafana Bafana international is highly rated and seen by the club as a commanding presence in the back four in the mould of the legendary Lucas Radebe, hence the joy at tying him down to a long term five year contract. He will play in jersey #5.

The frontline has been fortified by the arrival of new #19, Bongani Ndulula, from Amazulu and Togolese international Camaldine Abraw, who will wear #9, from Ea Le Kota - both on three year deals.

“I have worked with Camaldine at Free State Stars. I know what he can do and I am delighted to have him here,” said Komphela. “Bongani, too, is a player of international pedigree who will give us extra options over the course of a long season. I firmly believe the additional fire power they bring to the squad will give us the impetus to maintain our successful trajectory and take us to the next level.”

In addition to the new signings, two youngsters, Siboniseni Ngcobo and Andisiwe Mtsila have been promoted to the first team from the development squad.

Football manager Motaung stressed that the development of players through our junior ranks is a very important component of our overall philosophy as a club. “We are very pleased to give both Siboniseni and Andisiwe the opportunity to test themselves at the highest level after they have shown in the development ranks that they have the potential to make the grade.”

Last, but not least, Lucky Baloyi was welcomed home from his loan spell at Moroka Swallows, where he distinguished himself as captain of the Birds. He will feature in jersey #35. It was also confirmed that winger George Lebese has signed a three year contract extension. Meanwhile, Zimbabwean forward Matthew Rusike’s time with the club looks to be up after he requested to be released in order to pursue an opportunity in Portugal.

Motaung ended the session by hinting at the prospect of more new signings ahead of next season. “We always have an eye open for any player we feel can add value to the team and if we come across anyone that fits the description and is available, we shall certainly be interested in entertaining the possibilities,” he concluded.