Interview
Chiefs assistant defends Silva

Photo: Independent Newspapers
Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has opened up on the signing of striker Flavio Silva from Indonesian outfit Persebaya Surubaya, amid fan backlash over his performances during the pre-season tour in the Netherlands.
The Portuguese center-forward signed a two-year deal that will keep him at Naturena until June 2027, with an option to extend by a further 12 months. He came in as a direct replacement for Ranga Chivaviro, whose contract was not renewed.
Silva touched down in South Africa on the back of scoring nine goals and providing two assists in 33 appearances across all competitions last season. Overall, the former Portugal youth international has netted 56 goals with 18 assists in 194 games in his career.
However, despite impressive stats, Silva is yet to win over the Amakhosi faithful, with a section of the club’s fanbase already voicing their displeasure with his signing. But the Chiefs second in command defended the player from criticism, shedding light on his profile as a striker.
“It’s a player that trains very well; it’s a player that scores goals in training. Maybe people think that all the strikers need to be like Thierry Henry or Robert Lewandowski – have skills to be able to play the way they do,” said Kaze.
“But it’s a different profile, it’s a player that when he is in the box and there are two or three crosses you will find him in there, when there is a rebound you will find him there, when there is a shot, you will find him there.
The former La Masia servant continued: “It’s a player that has tremendous presence in the box and we need players like that.
Chiefs will return to Betway Premiership action with a clash against Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on Wednesday (19h30). The Soweto giants commenced their 2025/26 campaign with a 2-0 win over Stellenbosch FC.
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