Kaizer Chiefs may need to adopt a strategic waiting game if they are to succeed in their pursuit of Bafana Bafana forward Mihlali Mayambela, with patience potentially proving more valuable, though there are other challenges ahead.
The Soweto giants face a crucial decision on how to proceed with their interest in the Cyprus-based winger, with various options now under consideration by the Amakhosi hierarchy.
READ: New Signing Alert: Belgian Defender Arrives In South Africa
Soccer Laduma understands that Chiefs are likely to be contemplating waiting until January, when they would be permitted to open direct negotiations with Mayambela for a potential free transfer next season, as his contract with Aris Limassol expires in June 2026.
Sources close to the club have indicated that while personal terms between the player and Chiefs were reportedly agreed upon, negotiations stalled due to Aris Limassol's substantial asking price in Cyprus.
"You know it's believed that personal terms between the player and the club were agreed but apparently his club were looking for a big transfer fee while he has only one year left on his contract. And looking at the other players they signed so far it's believed Chiefs felt the asking price was too much and that's why they had to put the move on hold. But they were really interested in signing him and the player was also happy to come back home," the insider told Soccer Laduma.
Meanwhile, a second insider stated that Amakhosi haven't abandoned their interest in the South Africa winger but are simply adjusting their approach to secure his services. This insider also highlighted how the Cyprian club holds the key to what happens next year.
"It's not over yet. It's apparently just for this window period. They are considering wanting for him to have a free agent status around January and make the second move. But that will also depend on whether Aris Limassol will already renewed his contract or not. That's what Chiefs will be working on for now," the second source told the Siya crew.
READ: Nkota's Most Popular Teammates At Ettifaq
As previously reported by various media outlets including Soccer Laduma, and acknowledged by the player himself in a radio interview, there were discussions between Chiefs and Mayambela, who expressed willingness to join Amakhosi, but the move didn't materialise due to these financial considerations.
Amakhosi have already been active in the transfer market, and may be prepared to play a waiting game than move ahead of competitors in the race for Mayambela now.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment on the matter but received no response at the time of publishing this story.
The Siya crew also contacted Aris Limassol and the Cyprian club chose not to comment on the situation.
