After months of speculation and negotiations, Kaizer Chiefs are now expected to abandon their pursuit of a highly-rated African forward, forcing a shift in their transfer strategy ahead of next season's continental campaign.
The Soweto giants have apparently conceded defeat in their chase for long-term striker target, Fiston Mayele, with multiple factors combining to make the potential deal increasingly complicated.
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As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Amakhosi have been looking at strengthening their striking force with the DR Congo striker but it's understood that they have now fallen out of that chase.
Insiders close to Chiefs and privy to reliable team information have indicated that Amakhosi are believed to have given up on signing Mayele for the following reasons beyond their power.
"There are many factors which are believed to have led to this decision by the team. Almost every time they want to sign him the price goes up because there are other clubs interesred in him as well, and now it's believed that Pyramids FC are extending his contract which makes it even harder to convince them to let him go. So it's for these reasons that the club is believed to have reached a decision to give up on Mayele for now," the insider told Soccer Laduma.
Meanwhile a second source stated that the club is still looking at other potential strikers who they could sign at the start of the season.
"It doesn't mean if they give up on Mayele they won't be looking at other strikers. You remember Michael Olunga and Yanela Mbuthuma? Those are just some of the strikers the team is apparently looking at. They still need to bolster the striking force but Fiston Mayele could probably not be one of the targets anymore. They are looking at other different strikers now. Remember the team will be playing in Africa next season so they need strikers who can win games for the team," the second source revealed.
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At the moment Chiefs have four outright strikers in Wandile Duba, Ashley Du Preez, Ranga Chivaviro and Tashreeq Morris. These sentiments from insiders underline that if Pyramids' stance remains the same then it's highly unlikely Amakhosi will continue to pursue Mayele. It also means that Chiefs would be back in for the player, if circumstances improve.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment on the issue but there was no response at the time of publishing this story.
This shift in transfer strategy represents a significant moment in Chiefs' planning for next season as they look to build on their Nedbank Cup success. The potential of moving away from Mayele, after such persistent interest, suggests a pragmatic approach from the Amakhosi hierarchy who appear unwilling to be drawn into a bidding war or pay over the odds.
With continental football secured through their cup triumph, identifying and securing a prolific striker becomes even more crucial for their ambitions both domestically and abroad. As the transfer window approaches, attention will now turn to whether they can successfully land alternatives like Olunga or Mbuthuma, or if they might surprise supporters with an entirely unexpected striking option.
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