The aim is to ensure that development products such as Mduduzi Shabalala and Wandile Duba steadily establish themselves in the team going forward, rather than stifling their growth by bringing in similar players at an added cost.

SABC Sport has gathered that this is also one of the reasons why Chiefs opted against following up their initial interest in Bafana Bafana and Golden Arrows winger Pule Mmodi, who now appears to be headed for Orlando Pirates.

Zwane has emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance between promoting development products and roping players in from outside.

"If you can check, for the past five years, our development structures have produced quality players and you must have seen, when they're given the opportunity to showcase their talent, they've done well," defended the coach.

"It's just a matter of consistency on that part from us as a club because Chairman [Kaizer Motaung Snr] has invested a lot of money, and development is not far off, it's just a street across [the road from the Village].

"So, as the head coach of the club, I'm from that side as well, I was given the opportunity from that side, so I know what's actually happening that side, which is a plus for us.

"We want to make use of that opportunity right now and build a solid team that will be trying to compete for many years.

"So, when you look at the guys that we also brought from other teams, we did thorough profiling of them as individuals, as to what value they are going to add, and you'll see it as time goes on.

"So we're not too worried about it, it's a case of trying to strike a balance and getting it right."

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