Akumu’s future at Kaizer Chiefs in jeopardy

Kenyan international Anthony Akumu’s place at South African giants Kaizer Chiefs is in doubt with reports indicating sweeping changes at the club.

The club is planning to overhaul their squad following a stuttering start to the season that has seen them win only five games in 19 encounters this season.

According to South African news outlet KickOff, Chiefs are in the market for a central defender as it is believed there are possibilities of one of their center-backs leaving in winter.

Akumu has been converted into a center-back by Chiefs head coach Gavin Hunt but has featured sparingly for the club since the 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Wydad Casablanca towards the end of February.

Since the heavy defeat, Akumu has only played two minutes after he was introduced as a 93rd-minute substitute in the 1-0 win over arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the 100th Soweto Derby.

Chiefs have shipped in 21 goals this season in the league and have made a number of chances on their back four without much of a success.

Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Willard Katsande and Njabulo Blom have offered Akumu stiff competition in midfield which has made it hard for him to break into his natural position. 

Long-serving goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is also reportedly not spared for the axe alongside Akumu’s teammate at Zesco United Lazarus Kambole. 

Akumu joined Chiefs in January 2020 from Zesco United and started in Harambee Stars 1-1 stalemate against Egypt.