It appeared as if Stellenbosch's open rejection of Kaizer Chiefs' offer for Fawaaz Basadien fitted the narrative that PSL clubs don't want to deal with Chiefs but do Amakhosi have bargaining power?
Stellies CEO Rob Benadie, recently openly told the media and various platforms, that they are not willing to sell Basadien to Chiefs and will do all they can to keep him at the club, after selling Deano van Rooyen and Iqraam Rayners to Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, respectively.
The Cape Winelands side' refusal to make a deal with Chiefs for Basadien has triggered suggestions by Amakhosi head coach Nasreddine Nabi, comments he made on SuperSport TV, that other PSL clubs don't want to sell to the Glamour Boys, after they also had bids reportedly rejected for Elias Mokwana by his former club Sekhukhune United and Oswin Appollis at Polokwane City.
READ: How Chiefs Could Line-Up With New Faces
However, the Western Cape outfit seem only not budging on their valuation of the 27-year-old after Soccer Laduma revealed they rejected a R10 million bid from Chiefs.
To the Amakhosi supporters and neutrals, it seems Stellies are unreasonable for rejecting an alleged R10 million offer. However, the Maroons have been consistent in how they value their players and the principles at the club.
In January this year, Stellies rejected a multi-million offer for the services of Rayners from Saudi Arabian club Abha, following a recommendation by former coach Pitso Mosimane, who was still in charge of the team.
According to Mosimane, the Western Cape side rejected the bid because they could not find a replacement for the Bafana striker in time before the transfer window slammed shut, a revelation he made in a radio interview two months ago.
Indications are that Stellies were also not willing to sell Rayners in the current window, but Sundowns triggered his buy-out clause, which was believed to be in a region of R10 million.
READ: Numbers Reveal Why Chiefs Need A Striker
The Western Cape side, with regards to Van Rooyen, had no option but to sell, as the right wing-back was left with only one year on his contract.
It appeared as if Chiefs had some sort of relationship with Stellies after they acquired the services of Ashley Du Preez and Zitha Kwinika two years ago but with Du Preez, Amakhosi also triggered his buy-out clause.
The Glamour Boys, even in acquiring Sibongiseni Mthethwa last season, are believed to have used the buy-out clause route.
Basadien's agent Basia Michaels revealed in local media that the 27-year-old told Stellenbosch he would like to pursue the Amakhosi opportunity.
However, with indications that there's no buy-out clause opportunity for Basadien, Chiefs' bargaining power is really tested, because after he signed a four-year contract in February, he would not come cheap.
It's not cast in stone that the above deal won't happen but the Glamour Boys may have to find a way to bargain better, like offering players in exchange in addition to a transfer fee.
Calling all Jozi footie fans! Get ready for the ultimate soccer showdown at the Legendary Fives Tournament – powered by BoyleSports! Gather your squad of eight and compete for glory, plus a chance to win R10 000 cash! The winning team gets to battle it out with a team of legendary SA soccer stars! R500 entry fee. Enter your team now!
