Kaizer Chiefs have signed Tanzanian international defensive midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko from Azam FC, adding experience to their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season. The Soweto club confirmed the transfer on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, with the 27 year old becoming the first Tanzanian footballer to join Amakhosi.
Former Tanzania coach Adel Amrouche, who gave Mtasingwa his senior international debut, has compared elements of the midfielder’s game to French World Cup winner Paul Pogba, pointing specifically to his height, passing range and ability to vary play. The comparison places early attention on how Mtasingwa could fit into Kaizer Chiefs’ midfield under head coach Fernando Da Cruz.
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Chiefs Confirm Mtasingwa’s Move From Azam FC
Kaizer Chiefs confirmed that they secured Mtasingwa from Tanzanian club Azam FC for an undisclosed fee following negotiations between the two clubs.
Chiefs described the new arrival as a defensive midfielder who had captained Azam and also served as vice captain of the Tanzania national team.
His signing is also a first for the Naturena based club. According to Chiefs, Mtasingwa becomes the first Tanzanian player to represent Amakhosi, adding another nationality to a club that has recruited players from across the African continent.
The midfielder arrives as Chiefs continue shaping their squad for the new season under Da Cruz, who officially took charge at the beginning of July. The club recently returned to Johannesburg after a preseason camp in Spain, where it played practice matches against Rangers, Al Kholood and Elche.
Why Adel Amrouche Compared Mtasingwa to Pogba
Mtasingwa’s arrival has attracted attention following comments from Amrouche, who previously coached the Tanzania national team.
Amrouche highlighted the midfielder’s physical presence, straightforward approach and ability to distribute the ball over different distances.
“He’s like Pogba. Adolf has a nice passing range. He knows how to vary the game with long and short passes,” Amrouche told FARPost.
The comparison does not suggest that Mtasingwa has achieved the same career record as Pogba. Rather, Amrouche’s assessment relates to specific characteristics in the Tanzanian midfielder’s game, including his height and passing ability.
Amrouche also said Mtasingwa could improve further in an environment where he receives trust and effective management, describing him as a humble player with further potential to develop.
What Mtasingwa Could Add to Chiefs’ Midfield
Mtasingwa primarily operates as a defensive midfielder, a position that requires him to protect the defence, recover possession and help move the ball from deeper areas of the pitch.
His former Azam teammate Prince Dube described him as a midfielder who sits in front of the defensive line and provides protection to the back four.
Dube also identified passing as one of Mtasingwa’s strengths but noted that the Tanzanian international will need to adjust to the pace of South African football.
That adaptation could be important as Da Cruz establishes his preferred midfield structure for the 2026/27 campaign.
Chiefs already have competition in central midfield, including Sibongiseni Mthethwa, whose stay at Naturena for the coming season has been confirmed. The arrival of Mtasingwa gives the technical team another option in a deeper midfield role.
European Experience Adds to Mtasingwa’s Profile
Mtasingwa arrives in Soweto with experience outside Tanzania.
According to Kaizer Chiefs, the midfielder spent six seasons playing in Scandinavia across the Icelandic, Norwegian and Finnish football systems before returning to Tanzania.
His career included time with clubs such as KR Reykjavík, Keflavík and Völsungur ÍF in Iceland.
He later returned to East African football and joined Azam in 2024, where he developed into a senior figure within the squad.
Chiefs said he helped Azam finish third in the Tanzanian league last season and wore the captain’s armband at the club before completing his move to Johannesburg.
His international experience with Tanzania adds another dimension to his profile as Chiefs prepare for domestic competition in the new season.
Fitness and Adaptation Will Be Closely Watched
Despite the experience Mtasingwa brings, his transition into South African football will be an important part of his first months at Naturena.
His 2025/26 campaign was disrupted by injury, limiting his playing time for Azam. His fitness will therefore be closely monitored as he joins Chiefs’ preparations for the new season.
There is also the question of adapting to a different domestic competition.
The Betway Premiership will present new opponents, tactical demands and playing conditions. Mtasingwa will need time on the training ground with his new teammates as Da Cruz determines how best to use him within the squad.
Chiefs returned from their preseason camp in Spain this week after drawing 1 to 1 with Rangers, drawing 1 to 1 with Al Kholood and losing 2 to 1 against La Liga side Elche. Da Cruz said the matches provided useful information as the technical team prepares for competitive football.
Chiefs Continue Reshaping Squad for New Season
Mtasingwa’s arrival forms part of a broader period of change at Naturena.
Chiefs appointed Da Cruz as head coach on a two year contract with an additional one year option, effective from 1 July. He previously worked briefly with the club and later served as technical director at the Moroccan Football Federation.
The club has also made several personnel decisions as it prepares its squad for the coming campaign.
For Mtasingwa, the immediate task will be integrating into the team and competing for a place in midfield.
His experience as a club captain and Tanzania international could give Chiefs another leadership option, but his impact will ultimately depend on fitness, adaptation and performances once competitive matches begin.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Kaizer Chiefs supporters in Gauteng, Mtasingwa’s signing introduces a new midfield option ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The Soweto club remains one of the province’s most followed sporting institutions, with its training base at Naturena and a significant supporter presence across Johannesburg and the wider Gauteng region.
His signing will therefore be closely watched as Chiefs prepare to begin another domestic campaign under new technical leadership.
The move also brings a Tanzanian international into Gauteng football for the first time in Chiefs’ history. Supporters will now get their first opportunity to assess how his qualities translate to South African football once he becomes available for competitive selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Adolf Mtasingwa?
Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko is a 27 year old Tanzanian international defensive midfielder. He joined Kaizer Chiefs from Tanzanian club Azam FC in July 2026 and previously spent several seasons playing in Scandinavia.
Why Has Mtasingwa Been Compared to Paul Pogba?
Former Tanzania coach Adel Amrouche compared aspects of Mtasingwa’s playing style to Paul Pogba because of his height, passing range and ability to switch between short and long distribution. The comparison refers to playing characteristics rather than their respective career achievements.
What Position Does Adolf Mtasingwa Play?
Mtasingwa primarily plays as a defensive midfielder. His role includes protecting the defence, breaking up opposition attacks, retaining possession and helping distribute the ball from deeper midfield positions.
Is Mtasingwa the First Tanzanian to Play for Kaizer Chiefs?
Yes. Kaizer Chiefs confirmed that Mtasingwa is the first Tanzanian footballer to join the club. He has also represented Tanzania internationally and served as vice captain of the national team.
Which Club Did Mtasingwa Join Chiefs From?
Mtasingwa joined Kaizer Chiefs from Azam FC in Tanzania. Chiefs confirmed that the transfer was completed for an undisclosed fee following negotiations between the two clubs.
Attention Turns to Mtasingwa’s First Season at Naturena
Mtasingwa arrives at Kaizer Chiefs with international experience, leadership credentials and several seasons of football in Europe and Tanzania, but his performances in South Africa will determine the impact of the signing.
Amrouche’s comparison with Pogba has drawn attention to the midfielder’s passing and physical qualities, while those familiar with his game have also highlighted his defensive positioning and ability to protect the back four.
With Chiefs entering a new season under Da Cruz, Mtasingwa now has an opportunity to establish his role in a changing Amakhosi midfield. His immediate priorities will be maintaining fitness, adapting to the demands of the Betway Premiership and translating the qualities that earned him recognition in Tanzania into consistent performances for the Soweto club.
