Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana winger Tlou Segolela believes Elias Mokwana has what it takes to make an immediate impact at Kaizer Chiefs following his high-profile return to South African football. The 27-year-old attacker has joined Amakhosi after ending his spell with Tunisian giants Esperance Tunis, creating plenty of discussion among supporters and football observers. His arrival at Naturena is expected to strengthen Chiefs’ attacking options as the club looks to improve its performances in the Betway Premiership. Segolela, who previously worked with Mokwana, believes the winger possesses qualities that could make him an important addition to the Soweto giants. However, the former Pirates attacker has also challenged the Bafana Bafana international to hit the ground running and quickly establish himself in his new environment.

Mokwana’s move to Kaizer Chiefs represents an important development in a career that has taken him beyond South African football. After making his name in the domestic game, the winger earned opportunities abroad, including spells in North Africa and the Middle East. His experience at Esperance Tunis and in Saudi Arabia has exposed him to different football cultures and tactical approaches. Returning to the Betway Premiership gives him an opportunity to use that experience in one of South Africa’s most demanding football environments. Playing for Kaizer Chiefs also comes with significant expectations because of the club’s history, supporters and ambitions. Mokwana will need to demonstrate that he can handle the pressure while delivering consistent performances on the pitch.

Segolela has welcomed the transfer and believes Mokwana has made a positive career decision by joining Amakhosi. Having previously worked with the attacker, the former Orlando Pirates player understands his strengths and believes he has the ability to make a difference at Naturena. Segolela described the opportunity to represent Kaizer Chiefs as a major moment for any South African footballer. He also suggested that the transfer could benefit both the player and the club. Chiefs need attacking quality and greater consistency, while Mokwana has an opportunity to rebuild his momentum and establish himself as an important figure in the team. The former winger’s endorsement carries weight because of his experience in South African football and his familiarity with Mokwana’s abilities.

Speaking about the move, Segolela stressed that Mokwana cannot afford to take too long to settle at his new club. He believes the winger must deliver positive performances immediately if he wants to strengthen his position in the Bafana Bafana setup. South Africa’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying commitments make regular club football particularly important for players hoping to remain involved at international level. Mokwana will need to show that he can contribute consistently rather than relying on occasional moments of quality. Segolela believes that getting back into the national team picture should be one of the player’s main objectives. Establishing himself at Kaizer Chiefs could provide the platform he needs to achieve that ambition.

The former Pirates attacker also acknowledged that Mokwana’s return to South Africa might surprise some observers who expected him to spend more time playing abroad. Securing opportunities outside the country is not always straightforward for South African footballers, making overseas experience valuable for those who manage to establish themselves internationally. However, Segolela believes the move makes sense for both parties. Kaizer Chiefs gain an experienced attacking player who understands the demands of professional football, while Mokwana joins a club where he can potentially play a central role. The transfer could therefore provide a fresh opportunity for the winger to demonstrate his value. Rather than focusing on how long he spent abroad, the priority will be what he can contribute to Amakhosi.

One of the qualities Segolela particularly appreciates is Mokwana’s ability to take on defenders in wide attacking areas. The winger possesses the confidence to run at opponents, use his pace and create opportunities through individual skill. These characteristics could be valuable for a Kaizer Chiefs side looking to improve its attacking threat. Players capable of beating defenders in one-on-one situations can create space for teammates and force opposition defences to adjust their positioning. Mokwana’s ability to operate on the wings also gives the coaching staff greater flexibility when selecting attacking combinations. If he can reproduce his best performances consistently, he could become an important creative outlet for the Soweto club.

Segolela also highlighted Mokwana’s defensive contribution as an important part of his overall game. Modern wide attackers are expected to contribute beyond scoring goals and creating chances, particularly when teams face opponents who use attacking full-backs. Tracking back, supporting teammates and helping protect defensive areas are essential responsibilities for players operating on the flanks. According to Segolela, Mokwana understands these demands and is willing to work for the team. This quality could make him especially useful in the Betway Premiership, where matches often require wide players to balance attacking ambition with defensive discipline. His willingness to contribute in both phases of play could help him earn the trust of the Kaizer Chiefs coaching staff.

Mokwana’s experience in African and Saudi Arabian football could also prove valuable as he begins this new chapter. Playing for Esperance exposed him to the demands of competing at a prominent African club, while his experience in Saudi Arabia gave him opportunities to encounter different opponents and football styles. Such exposure can improve a player’s tactical understanding and ability to adapt to unfamiliar situations. Segolela believes these experiences will come in handy at Kaizer Chiefs. The winger will now have to translate the lessons learned abroad into performances that benefit his new team. His ability to adjust quickly could determine how successful his return to South African football becomes.

For Kaizer Chiefs, Mokwana’s arrival offers another attacking option as the club attempts to compete more consistently with its domestic rivals. Amakhosi have a responsibility to deliver performances that match the expectations of their large supporter base. Strengthening the wide areas can help the team become more unpredictable in attack and provide additional opportunities for forwards operating centrally. Mokwana’s direct approach could offer something different when Chiefs face compact defensive formations. His experience at international level could also help him handle high-pressure matches. However, his success will ultimately depend on how effectively he adapts to the team’s tactical requirements and builds relationships with his new teammates.

The competition for places at Kaizer Chiefs will also be an important part of Mokwana’s challenge. Joining a club with significant ambitions means that he will need to maintain high standards in training and matches. Supporters will expect him to justify the attention surrounding his transfer through consistent contributions. Goals and assists will naturally attract attention, but his overall performances, including defensive work and decision-making, will also influence his standing within the squad. Segolela’s comments suggest that he believes Mokwana has the qualities required to succeed, provided the winger approaches the opportunity with the right mentality. A strong start could help him establish confidence and become a regular part of the team’s plans.

Mokwana’s return could also have positive implications for his international career. Bafana Bafana continue to require attacking players who can provide pace, creativity and the ability to change matches from wide positions. Regular performances for Kaizer Chiefs would give the national team selectors an opportunity to assess his form against familiar domestic opponents. His previous international experience means that he already understands the demands of representing South Africa. However, competition for places remains strong, and he will need to earn his position through consistent club performances. Segolela’s advice is therefore straightforward: Mokwana must use this opportunity to establish himself at Chiefs and work towards returning to the national team setup.

Segolela’s backing provides an encouraging start to Mokwana’s new chapter at Naturena, but the real test will come on the pitch. The former Pirates winger believes his ability to beat defenders, contribute defensively and use his overseas experience could make him a valuable asset for Amakhosi. Kaizer Chiefs will be hoping that the signing helps improve their attacking performances and strengthens their ability to compete for domestic honours. For Mokwana, the move offers an opportunity to rebuild his momentum, establish himself at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs and regain a regular place in the Bafana Bafana conversation. If he can deliver consistently and adapt quickly, he could become one of the important players in Chiefs’ campaign. As Segolela has emphasised, the expectation is clear: Mokwana needs to hit the ground running.