A PSL giant is reviving interest in a striker they previously pursued, with renewed hopes of landing the Nigerian forward who appears to be on the way out from his current club.
After failing to sign him about two seasons ago when they first showed interest, Kaizer Chiefs are believed to be monitoring the situation of a Mamelodi Sundowns striker.
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As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Amakhosi were interested in landing the services of a Mamelodi Sundowns striker who was at that time on loan at Chippa United, but the deal did not materialise. Sources are now indicating that the Naturena-based side are once again interested in Etiosa Ighodaro.
Insiders close to both the player and Chiefs have added that Amakhosi are monitoring the Nigerian striker, who Sundowns are willing to release this season after spending his season on loan at AmaZulu FC.
"Yes, it's true. Chiefs are believed to have enquired about Mamelodi Sundowns striker Etiosa Ighodaro. You know the thing is the same people who scouted him from Nigeria for Sundowns are the same who have enquired about him for Chiefs. Actually it's not the first time they have enquired about him. They tried before when he was on loan at Chippa United but Sundowns sent him on loan at SuperSport United. But now they are apparently looking at the possibility of Sundowns letting him go and they can pounce on him," the source revealed.
Meanwhile, a second source stated that Amakhosi have made it clear that they need a striker before they start their pre-season training camp at the end of June or the first week of July.
"At the moment the club and the recruitment department have identified some strikers from where they believe they can get at least two or one that they really need. Striker and left back are the priority signings when compared to midfielders and wingers. They are busy in the background working on getting a striker and Ighodaro has apparently emerged as another target. That's the focus, it is to get a striker as early as they can before the pre-season training camp, " the second source told Soccer Laduma.
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Some of the strikers that Chiefs have been looking at include Richards Bay's Yanela Mbuthuma, Pyramids FC striker Fiston Mayele, Thapelo Matlhoko from Kruger United and Kenya national team captain Michael Olunga.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment on the situation but there was no response at the time of preparing this story.
With Amakhosi's striker search clearly a priority ahead of the new season, the potential acquisition of Ighodaro could represent a smart piece of business. Having already adapted to South African football during his loan spells at various PSL clubs, the Nigerian would require minimal adjustment time if the move materialises. The coming weeks will be crucial as Chiefs look to secure their striking targets before pre-season begins, with Ighodaro's situation at Sundowns appearing increasingly favourable for a permanent move away from Chloorkop.
