The history of Kaizer Chiefs is a tapestry woven with the exploits of legendary strikers who carried the hopes of the “Amakhosi” faithful on their shoulders. While many greats have worn the famous gold and black, only a select few managed to set the stage alight from the very moment they stepped onto the pitch.
In the high-pressure environment of Naturena, a “debut season” is the ultimate litmus test. Here is an in-depth look at the top 10 goalscorers who made the most immediate and devastating impact during their first year at Kaizer Chiefs.
1. Collins Mbesuma (2004/05) – 37 Goals
The Zambian international, affectionately known as “Ntofontofo” or the “Hurricane,” didn’t just have a good debut season; he had a historic one. Under the mentorship of Ted Dumitru, Mbesuma shattered records by netting 37 goals across all competitions (25 in the league). His combination of brute strength and clinical finishing led Chiefs to a successful league title defense. To this day, his single-season tally remains the gold standard of South African football.
2. Samir Nurković (2019/20) – 14 Goals
When the Serbian marksman arrived in 2019, few knew what to expect. However, “Kokota Piano” quickly became a fan favorite. Nurković’s aerial prowess and work rate were instrumental as Chiefs led the table for most of the season. He finished his debut campaign with 14 goals, proving that European strikers could indeed thrive in the physical environment of the PSL.
3. Knowledge Musona (2009/10) – 12 Goals
The “Smiling Assassin” arrived from Zimbabwe as a teenager and immediately showed why he was one of the continent’s brightest prospects. In his 2009 debut season, Musona’s pace and composure saw him find the net 12 times in all competitions. His impact was so profound that he remains one of the most beloved foreign imports in the club’s history, eventually earning a move to the German Bundesliga.
4. Flavio Silva (2025/26) – 10 Goals (Ongoing)
The most recent addition to this illustrious list is the Brazilian forward Flavio Silva. In the current 2025/26 campaign, Silva has already hit double digits across the league and domestic cups. His flair and “Samba” style have revitalized the Amakhosi attack, making him the first player in several seasons to look capable of challenging the 15-goal mark in a debut year.
5. Leonardo Castro (2017/18) – 9 Goals
Though Castro joined mid-way through the 2017/18 season from Mamelodi Sundowns, his first full calendar year (and “debut” campaign in terms of initial impact) was prolific. He struck a formidable partnership with Khama Billiat, netting 9 goals in half a season’s worth of football. His ability to hold up play while remaining a threat in the box was vital during a transitional period for the club.
6. Khama Billiat (2018/19) – 9 Goals
The arrival of Khama Billiat was perhaps the most hyped transfer in PSL history. Moving from rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, Billiat carried immense weight on his shoulders. In his debut season at Naturena, he delivered 9 goals across all competitions. While fans always demanded more, his technical brilliance and creative link-up play made him the focal point of the Amakhosi offense.
7. Keagan Dolly (2021/22) – 8 Goals
Returning from France to join the Glamour Boys, Dolly’s debut season was a masterclass in playmaking and finishing. He contributed 8 goals and numerous assists, instantly becoming the team’s creative heartbeat. His chemistry with Billiat was rekindled, providing the fans with some of the most attractive football seen at the FNB Stadium in the last decade.
8. Glody Lilepo (2025/26) – 8 Goals (Ongoing)
Another star of the current 2025/26 season, Lilepo has been a revelation on the wing. Often cutting inside to act as a second striker, he has already notched 8 goals. His explosive speed and ability to score from distance have made him a nightmare for local defenders, and he is well on track to climb higher on this list before the season concludes.
9. Bernard Parker (2011/12) – 7 Goals
“Die Hond” eventually became the club’s all-time top scorer in the PSL era, but it all started in 2011. Returning from Europe, Parker netted 7 goals in his debut season. While he wasn’t yet the “Golden Boot” winner he would become in later years, his versatility and tactical intelligence were evident from day one, laying the foundation for a decade of service.
10. Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana (2022/23) – 7 Goals
The Burundian striker had a rollercoaster debut season. Despite facing criticism for his consistency, he managed 7 goals, including a historic hat-trick of penalties in a single match. His physical presence provided a different dimension to the attack, and for a brief period in late 2022, he was the league’s leading marksman.
The Evolution of the “Amakhosi” No. 9
Looking at this list, it is clear that the role of the striker at Kaizer Chiefs has evolved. In the early 2000s, players like Mbesuma benefited from a team built entirely around a central “target man.” In the modern era, the scoring load is often shared among versatile attackers like Dolly and Billiat.
The current 2025/26 season marks a potential turning point. With Flavio Silva and Glody Lilepo both hitting high numbers early on, the club seems to have found the clinical edge that has been missing since the days of Nurković and Musona. For any new signing, the shadows of these ten men loom large, serving as both a challenge and an inspiration.
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