Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly on the verge of unveiling former Orlando Pirates left-back Paseka Mako as their latest signing—sparking a heated debate among fans and former players.
Mako, now 31, was recently let go by the Buccaneers after a long service spell, and sources suggest he is set to join Soweto rivals Chiefs ahead of the 2025/26 season.
But not everyone is convinced it’s a smart move.
Ex-Pirates Defender Slams Chiefs Over Mako Decision
Former Pirates full-back Innocent Chikoya has openly questioned Kaizer Chiefs’ intentions with the move, raising doubts about Mako’s age, recent form, and fit within Amakhosi’s long-term goals.
“If we’re being honest, Mako’s recent contributions at Pirates were not strong enough to justify a place at Chiefs,” Chikoya told KickOff. “He’s 31, and if your impact on the field is declining, it’s no surprise when a club chooses to let go.”
Experience vs. Ambition
Chikoya went on to compare Mako’s move with former high-profile transfers like Jimmy Tau and Arthur Zwane, who famously crossed the divide at the peak of their careers and made an impact. But he argues that Mako doesn’t fall into the same bracket.
“Chiefs should be building with younger, hungry players if they want to compete with Sundowns and Pirates. Signing someone who hasn’t been playing regularly just doesn’t match that ambition,” he said.
Sundowns’ Strategy as the Benchmark
Chikoya pointed out that Mamelodi Sundowns are focusing on emerging talents like Jayden Adams, players with several years of top-level football still ahead of them. He believes that’s the standard Chiefs should be aiming for.
“If Sundowns are signing 24-year-olds who are knocking on Bafana Bafana’s door, and you’re bringing in someone Pirates let go—how is that progress?” Chikoya questioned.
A Risky Move Under the Spotlight
He concluded by saying Mako might be better off joining a mid-table side where he can see out his career with regular minutes, rather than jumping into a high-pressure environment where Chiefs are desperate to close the gap on their biggest rivals.
Whether the move turns out to be a masterstroke or a misstep remains to be seen—but Paseka Mako’s switch to Naturena has certainly got the football community talking.
