Kaizer Chiefs appear to have cooled their interest in Lebogang Phiri following the acquisition of former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Lebohang Maboe.
The Soweto giants have been among the busiest clubs in the transfer market, sealing 10 new signings as head coach Nasreddine Nabi looks to assemble a squad capable of challenging on all fronts.
Read: Chiefs Leadership Sets Sights On Multiple Challenges Ahead!
Among those additions, Maboe is seen internally as a vital piece in the creative midfield department – the very role Phiri had been linked with earlier in the window.
Indications from sources suggest that after securing Maboe’s signature, Amakhosi feel they have reinforced sufficiently in that area, leaving Phiri unlikely to be pursued further at this stage.
The 30-year-old midfielder had previously confirmed that he and his camp engaged in talks with Chiefs in July as he weighed up his next move after parting ways with French side EA Guingamp.
Negotiations were understood to have stalled when Amakhosi departed for their pre-season tour of the Netherlands, with Phiri hopeful at the time that discussions might resume before the campaign kicked off.
However, with the Betway Premiership now five games in, Chiefs are enjoying a strong start, unbeaten with four wins and a draw to sit second on the log.
Their positive form, coupled with the impact of their new arrivals, suggests that the technical team is content with the balance of the current squad.
Read: When Amakhosi Fans Could See Their New Signing In Action
For Phiri, the window of opportunity for a deal at Naturena appears to have narrowed. The versatile midfielder, who recently made a rare public appearance at the Engen Knockout Challenge in Emmarentia, is believed to still be weighing up his options as he seeks the next deal of his career.
As ever, Chiefs have remained consistent in their position of not commenting on players who are not registered with the club.
