Former Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune has added his voice to the growing talk around Elias Mokwana. The Bafana Bafana winger is now a free agent, and Khune believes Amakhosi should move quickly. He says the player has the skill and bravery that Chiefs need in attack.
What Khune said about Elias Mokwana
Khune spent about two decades at Naturena, so he knows what the club needs. Speaking to SABC Sport, he compared Elias Mokwana to club legend Jabu “Shuffle” Mahlangu. In simple terms, Khune sees the same fearless style in both players.
He pointed to three things.
- Mokwana is very skilful on the ball.
- He is not scared to take on defenders.
- He can both create and score goals.
Khune also spoke about experience. Mokwana has played at continental level, and Khune says that could be very useful for the younger players at Chiefs. Young players can learn a lot from someone who has been through big matches abroad. For a club that wants to rebuild its attack, that is an easy argument to understand.
Why Elias Mokwana is a free agent
Mokwana left Tunisian giants Esperance after a tricky spell in North Africa. Reports say the 27 year old officially parted ways with the club in September. That ended his time with the continental heavyweights earlier than many expected.
The background is worth knowing. Mokwana moved to Esperance from Sekhukhune United in 2024, in a deal reportedly worth around R7 million. Esperance later sent him on loan to Al Hazem in the Saudi Pro League. When he came back, the Tunisian club had reportedly already filled its foreign player quota for the 2026/27 season. That left little room for him in the squad.
His representatives have reportedly offered his services to Chiefs. A player who costs no transfer fee is always attractive, and Chiefs have used the free agent market well in recent years.
Elias Mokwana at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 27 |
| Position | Winger |
| Last club | Esperance (Tunisia) |
| Recent loan | Al Hazem (Saudi Pro League) |
| Previous South African club | Sekhukhune United |
| Current status | Free agent |
What the experts say
Khune is not the only voice. Respected analyst and former Jomo Cosmos midfielder Mark Haskins has also backed the idea. He said he likes Mokwana and believes the winger can add value to the Chiefs team. He was also surprised that none of South Africa’s big clubs went for him before he moved abroad.
That point matters. Some analysts feel Mokwana should have tested himself at one of the country’s Big Three before leaving the Betway Premiership. Now there is a second chance for both sides. The player gets a possible homecoming, and the club gets a proven attacker without paying a fee.
Why Chiefs may need a player like this
Chiefs are working under coach Fernando da Cruz, and the team has struggled for a cutting edge at times in recent seasons. A direct winger who dribbles, creates chances and scores could help a lot. That is a simple fix on paper, though football is never quite that easy.
The pressure to strengthen is also growing. The club recently exited the CAF Confederation Cup, and supporters want to see signs of progress. Adding an experienced international would send a strong message about the club’s ambition.
Mokwana’s style could also help in tight games. Many PSL teams sit deep and block the middle. A winger who can beat his man one on one gives a coach another way to break them down. That is the kind of quality Khune had in mind when he made the Mahlangu comparison.
The competition and the catch
It is not a done deal, and Chiefs are not the only club interested. Reports say Moroccan giants Wydad AC are watching his situation closely. Clubs from other parts of Africa and the Middle East have also been linked with him. Chiefs were keen on Mokwana before his move to Tunisia, so their interest is not new.
Then there is the player’s own view. His agent, Pontsho Madumo, has said no decision has been made on his next move. He has also hinted that Mokwana might not return to the South African top flight. According to the agent, the focus is on finding the right place to rebuild his form and work his way back into the Bafana Bafana setup. Reports suggest he lost his national team spot while struggling for consistency.
So the final choice may come down to three things:
- Playing time and a clear role in the team
- Salary and contract length
- A route back to the national squad
Chiefs can offer the biggest stage in local football. Other clubs may offer different attractions, so Amakhosi will need to move with purpose.
What it means for South African fans
For supporters, this story is about more than one signing. It shows how important creative wingers are in the South African game. Fans love players who take risks and entertain, and Mahlangu is still remembered fondly for exactly that.
If Mokwana does return home, it would also be good for the league. A Bafana Bafana winger with experience in Tunisia and Saudi Arabia would raise the profile of the PSL. For the latest fixtures and official league news, readers can visit the Premier Soccer League website. For national team updates, the South African Football Association is the place to check.
What happens next
At the moment, Elias Mokwana is free to speak to any club. His agent says options are open. Chiefs have not confirmed any official offer, and nothing is final until a contract is signed and announced.
Still, Khune’s public support will keep the story alive. When a club legend backs a player this openly, supporters take notice. Whether the management listens is the real question. If Chiefs want a simple way to add flair, pace and experience without paying a fee, this is a clear opportunity.
For now, fans will keep watching. The transfer window talk is only getting louder, and Elias Mokwana remains one of the most interesting free agents on the market.
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