JOHANNESBURG – Kaizer Chiefs have officially confirmed the high-profile acquisition of Bafana Bafana international winger Elias Mokwana.
The 27-year-old attacker joins the Glamour Boys on a free transfer, marking a major statement of intent for the club as they look to injection elite quality and continental experience into their frontline.
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Mokwana returns to South African football following a two-season spell abroad, having originally left the Betway Premiership in 2024 when he moved from Sekhukhune United to Tunisian powerhouse Espérance Sportive de Tunis.
His time in North Africa was highly successful; he helped Espérance capture a domestic League and Cup double during the 2024/25 campaign, contributing three goals and two assists across 25 appearances.
He also netted a vital goal in the 2024 Tunisian Super Cup final victory against Stade Tunisien and represented the side at the prestigious 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Mokwana subsequently spent the 2025/26 season gaining further competitive experience on loan at Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hazem, featuring in 24 Saudi Pro League matches.
The dynamic winger, who hails from KwaMhlanga in Mpumalanga, has long been a target for the Soweto giants. Prior to his move to Tunisia, Mokwana established himself as one of the most explosive wide players in local football, racking up 65 appearances, six goals, and seven assists for Sekhukhune United.
His consistent domestic form earned him a senior international debut for Bafana Bafana against Andorra in March 2024. Since then, he has accumulated 11 caps under national team coach Hugo Broos and was part of the South African squad that competed at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
For Kaizer Chiefs, Mokwana’s arrival comes at a crucial juncture in their season. Head coach Fernando Da Cruz has been vocal about the need for different attacking profiles to make Amakhosi less predictable and more lethal in the final third.
Following a demanding start to the campaign, which included early exits from the MTN8 and the CAF Confederation Cup, alongside a painful 2-1 Soweto Derby loss to rivals Orlando Pirates, the club’s leadership has moved swiftly to bolster the squad.
Mokwana joins recent acquisitions Langelihle Phili and Faiz Abrahams as part of a revamped attacking force.
Known for his blistering pace, direct running, and exceptional creativity on the right flank, Mokwana is expected to hit the ground running at Naturena.
Beyond his technical qualities, the player’s arrival carries sentimental weight, as he has previously expressed that playing for Kaizer Chiefs fulfills a lifelong personal childhood dream.
While club legends like Tsepo Masilela have noted that the club still requires further recruitment to fully bridge the gap to reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns, there is unanimous agreement that securing an active international of Mokwana’s pedigree is a massive step in the right direction.
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Everyone at the club has extended a warm welcome to Mokwana as he prepares to wear the famous Gold and Black jersey.
