A major transfer battle appears to be reaching its conclusion with a surprising twist, as one PSL giant seems poised to overtake their rivals to a coveted midfield signature.
Despite reports that Mamelodi Sundowns have offered more money for the sought-after midfielder, it is believed that Kaizer Chiefs are set to beat the CAF Champions League losing finalists to Feisal Salum.
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As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, both Amakhosi and the Brazilians are interested in the Tanzanian midfielder who is valued highly, but now insiders close to the player and the Soweto club indicate that the player is believed to want the Chiefs move.
Insiders privy to information have therefore stated that Azam FC midfielder Salum is believed to be happy with what Chiefs are offering as a club and apparently he would be glad to join them.
"The visit to Tanzania by Kaizer Chiefs' officials has changed most of the things concerning Feisal Salum's move to South Africa. At the moment it's believed that the involved parties concerning the player's personal welfare and needs have been agreed upon. Apparently, the presence of coach Nabi in Tanzania helped that a lot. It's as good as done as far as the player agreeing to join Chiefs is concerned," the source told Soccer Laduma.
A second source stated that what is remaining now is the agreement between one club and the other as the player is still under contract at Azam.
"As much as the player and Kaizer Chiefs are believed to have agreed on their terms it's now up to Chiefs to convince Azam with their offer. You remember Mamelodi Sundowns were believed to be in the forefront in as much as the higher offer for the player was. But with the player apparently agreeing to want to join Chiefs, it is up to Azam now to look at the offer and make their decision. But as for the player he is believed to be willing to join Chiefs," the second source told the Siya crew.
A third source revealed that Chiefs are believed to be willing to offer their goalkeeper, Fiacre Ntwari as part of the deal to convince Azam to let Salum move to South Africa. The understanding is that Ntwari would be highly valued by Azam.
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The 27-year-old has been a revelation since joining Azam from coach Nabi's former team Yanga SC on a three-year contract which is expected to expire next year in June.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment on the player but there was no response at the time of publishing this story.
This potential signing would represent a major coup for Amakhosi, especially considering the stiff competition from their rivals. The player-plus-cash deal involving Ntwari could prove to be the masterstroke that secures the signature of the Tanzanian international, with coach Nabi's previous connections in East African football appearing to give Chiefs the edge in this high-profile transfer battle.
