With Kaizer Chiefs having released Edmilson Dove, leaving Happy Mashiane and Bradley Cross as their main two left-backs, a defensive option appears to be edging closer to Naturena.
As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Amakhosi have been looking at a SuperSport United defender, and now insiders have indicated that the club is believed to have advanced their approach.
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An insider close to Chiefs has indicated that Amakhosi scouts and recruiters have been analyzing different games of Aphiwe Baliti with the aim of seeing if he fits into their style of play, and it's believed they are now happy with him.
"Oh yes, the department which deals with recruitment and scouting is happy and they have advanced their approach in the search to sign Aphiwe (Baliti). Apparently, first it was that they were interested but then they had to do analysis and assess the player in their own way to see if he can fit into Kaizer Chiefs' philosophy and style and they apparently believe he can and that's why they are prepared to move to the second step in pursuing his signature," the insider told the Siya crew.
A second Naturena insider with intimate knowledge of the club's defensive recruitment strategy explained how the club is still looking for another left-back despite having youngsters promoted to the senior team.
"Yes, there are youngsters who have been promoted to the senior team and will be traveling with the team to the Netherlands but Aphiwe (Baliti) has more experience than them in the top flight and that's why they are considering him as it is believed they can't get Fawaaz Basadien or Mohamed Hussein at the moment," the second source revealed.
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Baliti is 23-years-old and was promoted to the SuperSport United senior team last season, where he played many Premiership games in what was his first campaign.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment on the situation but there was no response at the time of publishing this story.
The pursuit of Baliti represents Chiefs' continued focus on strengthening their defensive options with younger talent who still possess top flight experience.
At 23, the SuperSport defender fits the profile of a player who could provide immediate impact while also developing alongside the club's promoted youth prospects.
With Baliti seemingly having passed the club's tactical assessment, the coming days could prove decisive as Chiefs look to secure their left-back target before their Dutch pre-season tour begins.
