Kaizer Chiefs have temporarily halted the acquisition of foreign players, including Mamelodi Sundowns striker Etiosa Ighodaro, the Siya crew has been informed.
This is the latest as Amakhosi navigate PSL foreign quota restrictions and await a resolution of the Nigerian forward's residency status.
As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Chiefs have expressed interest in the Nigerian-born striker who is currently awaiting his Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) in South Africa that would allow him to be registered as a local player.
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Sources close to both Chiefs and Ighodaro have indicated that the club has already filled all five of their foreign player slots, preventing them from registering Ighodaro until his documentation is finalised.
"Well, it's believed that the club is still interested in signing Mamelodi Sundowns striker Etiosa Ighodaro but they have to look at the foreign quota first. And for now they have five foreign players on their books. But they are waiting for Ighodaro to obtain his PRP which he has qualified for now and that's why they can't sign any foreign players now," the source told Soccer Laduma.
Chiefs' foreign contingent currently consists of Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, Angolan defender Inacio Miguel, Venezuelan midfielder Edson Castillo, Congolese attacker Makabi Lilepo, and recently-signed Angolan forward Flavio Silva.
Meanwhile, a second insider stated that the Glamour Boys are monitoring a potential opening in their foreign player allocation, as one current international has reportedly requested an exit.
"If Castillo finally moves away. It was reported that he requested a transfer... then it will open up another foreign spot. But that will only be possible if Castillo leaves and the club is believed to be still looking at a few more signings before the start of the season," the second insider revealed.
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Last season, head coach Nasreddine Nabi frequently expressed concerns about the depth and quality of his squad as Amakhosi finished in a disappointing ninth position, despite claiming silverware in the form of the Nedbank Cup.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment regarding their transfer plans with Ighodaro, but received no response at the time of publishing.
The situation highlights the complex planning required in PSL transfers, where clubs must balance squad strengthening with league registration rules. For Chiefs, the resolution of Ighodaro's permit status could prove crucial to their attacking reinforcements ahead of the new campaign.
