Kaizer Chiefs fans are buzzing with excitement over the news that a 24-year-old South African central midfielder might be coming back to Naturena for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. According to iDiski Times, Steven Mendes, who spent the last season playing for Hammarby Fotboll in Sweden, is the player in question. While the club hasn’t officially confirmed his return, sources say negotiations are in the works, and Chiefs are eager to bring the young star home.
Mendes, a product of the Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy, left for Europe to test himself in a tougher league. He played regularly for Hammarby, appearing in 20 matches and even scoring a long-range goal in a cup game. His time abroad helped him grow as a player, sharpening his passing, composure, and physicality. But limited minutes toward the end of the season and a pull to return home have sparked this potential move. Chiefs, under new coach Nasreddine Nabi, are rebuilding after a disappointing ninth-place finish last season, where they scored only 25 goals in 28 games. Mendes’ ability to control the midfield and create chances could be just what they need.
This move makes sense for both sides. Chiefs get a homegrown talent who knows the club’s culture and has added European experience to his game. At 24, Mendes is still young but now has the maturity to handle the pressure of playing for a big club like Amakhosi. For Mendes, coming back means regular game time in front of passionate fans and a chance to catch the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. He’s already shown he can compete at a high level, and a strong season could put him back in the national team conversation.
The bigger picture here is what this says about South African football. Players like Mendes going abroad, gaining experience, and returning to strengthen the local game is a positive sign. It shows the PSL can be a place for talent to shine, not just a stepping stone. Fans on X are thrilled, with posts calling Mendes a “future star” and praising Chiefs for bringing back their own. Some worry about whether he’ll adapt back to the PSL’s physical style, but most see this as a smart move to boost the squad.
If this deal goes through, it’s a big win for Chiefs. They’re already chasing other targets, like Mamelodi Sundowns’ Etiosa Ighodaro and Tanzania’s Feisal Salum, showing Nabi’s serious about turning things around. Mendes could be the midfield anchor to tie it all together, helping Chiefs challenge for the title after a decade without league silverware. The next few weeks will be crucial as negotiations wrap up, but for now, Amakhosi fans have plenty to be hopeful about.
Post a Comment