Shinga turned down European offers to realise Kaizer Chiefs Dream

By Velile Mnyandu
15th July 2025

Newly signed Kaizer Chiefs left-back Nkanyiso Shinga says it’s a dream come true to have signed for a big team like Amakhosi, after turning down other clubs in Europe.

Shinga, who comes from Umlazi in Durban, joins Amakhosi from Alverca, who have just been promoted to Liga Portugal (Primeira League).

He’s expected to fight it out with former Orlando Pirates left-back Paseka Mako, who also joined as a free agent last month.

The 25year-old says this move means a lot to him.

"I was really excited when Kaizer Chiefs came calling. It was always a dream of mine to play for Kaizer Chiefs, and I'm beyond excited to be living out my dream.

"I did receive other offers, but joining Amakhosi was always the first prize," said a proud Shinga.

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The new acquisition is a product of the KwaZulu-Natal Academy, spent seven years in Portugal, and was part of the first group that also included Thabo Cele and Siphephelo Sithole.

He says as a player, he’s developed so much over the years…

"I started out as a u/19 in Portugal, and I remember first being used as a winger, and shortly thereafter I jumped from the fourth division to the second division of Portuguese club football, and then I also got a taste for top-flight football."

Shinga, who was inspired by former Chiefs and Bafana Bafana left-back Tsepo Masilela, is also inspired by their upcoming Toyota Cup, which is a preseason friendly match against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko.

The game will be played in front of his home crowd at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on the 26th of this month, and this is what he’s looking forward to…

"I only went to that stadium once to watch a game, so I'm looking forward to play there for the first time. I'm beyond excited to play in front of my city and my people," said the flying fullback.

Amakhosi head coach Nasreddine Nabi will also welcome the versatility of Shinga, as he reveals that he can play four different positions...

"I prefer to play left back, but I can also play as a left centre back when the team uses a back three, I've also been pushed into the midfield, and I'm also comfortable on the wing."

Chiefs continue with their pre-season tour in Holland tonight (19:00) when they take on PEC Zwolle and wrap up their Dutch visit with a game against FC Twente tomorrow evening.