Kaizer Chiefs were reportedly feeling confident that a deal can be struck to sign Fiston Mayele for next season.
Mayele has been the top target for coach Nasreddine Nabi, who’s made it no secret that he wants him at Chiefs.
Nabi goes way back with Mayele
The two have a long standing working relationship together, having formed a bond while Yanga SC. It was therefore, no surprise they were linked with a reunion at Chiefs last season. While at the Tanzanian giants, Nabi relied on Mayele as his top striker and the DRC international duly obliged. Furthermore, they went on to win a double treble together, also reaching the CAF Confederation Cup final. After the 2022/23 season, both parties left Timu Ya Wananchi and went their separate ways.
Despite both being linked with Chiefs, Nabi ended up at Moroccan side AS FAR while Mayele signed for Pyramids FC. While the Tunisian eventually joined the Amakhosi set up the next season, the goal poacher stayed put in Egypt. He did so to good effect too, having won the CAF Champions League for the first time in his career. It was also the first time the young Egyptian side had won the crown.
Wants him at Chiefs
But on Nabi’s side, despite winning the Nedbank Cup, his Chiefs side finished outside the top eight. He then further emphasised the lack of fire power upfront. It is no secret that Mayele is the target but according to Soccer-Laduma, he may be too expensive.
“The only way Mayele can join Kaizer Chiefs is if the player himself wants to reunite with coach Nasreddine Nabi. It won’t be because of money. Pyramids FC are offering him enough money to stay at the club or sell him to a club that can offer more money than Kaizer Chiefs. Chiefs are believed to be offering around a R5 million signing on fee to be spread in three seasons and a monthly salary of between R1 million and up to R1.5 million. So it’s kind of difficult for Chiefs to sign him if it’s all about money only. Unless the player himself loves to come and play for the club,” said the source.
Amakhosi priced out?
That would would add up to about R53 million. Still R21 million short of the reported R74 million Pyramids are reportedly offering to extend Mayele’s deal for two-years. Should Chiefs throw in the towel? Or keep pushing Nabi to convince the striker to take a pay cut for the project? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
