Kaizer Chiefs assistant breaks silence on Flavio Silva signing amid criticism

Chiefs Stand By Silva Despite Fan Backlash

Coach defends new striker amid pre-season struggles.

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has defended the signing of Flavio Silva, despite criticism from some fans following his performances during the pre-season tour in the Netherlands.

The Portuguese center-forward joined Amakhosi on a two-year deal until June 2027, with an option to extend for another year. He replaced Ranga Chivaviro, whose contract wasn't renewed.

Silva arrives in South Africa after scoring nine goals and providing two assists in 33 appearances for Persebaya Surubaya last season. In his career, the former Portugal youth international has netted 56 goals with 18 assists in 194 games.

But fans haven't been fully convinced. A section of the club’s fanbase has already voiced their displeasure with Silva’s signing.

Kaze, however, stands by the new striker.

“It’s a player that trains very well; it’s a player that scores goals in training,” said Kaze. “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.

A Different Profile

"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. It’s a player that has tremendous presence in the box and we need players like that.”

Chiefs next face Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on Wednesday (19h30) after starting their 2025/26 campaign with a 2-0 win over Stellenbosch FC.