During the recently closed PSL transfer window, Kaizer Chiefs were in hot pursuit of Cape Town Spurs winger Asanele Velebayi but could not agree on the selling price with the Mother City club.
With the next transfer window approaching in January, Amakhosi are evaluating their options to bolster the squad. However, Siya sources close to the club have indicated that the club may not be pursuing Velebayi during this season.
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Insiders added that Chiefs management and coach Nasreddine Nabi are prioritizing the acquisition of a striker over a winger or midfielder.
"As for Asanele (Velebayi), there is nothing from the club yet. They have dropped that player (from their wanted list for January) and they are looking at other players who they could sign in January. One player or position I can tell you they want to sign in January is a striker and they are targeting Fiston Mayele. That's the first priority," said the Siya source.
"As for Velebayi, the coach feels he can use Wandile Duba and Mfundo Vilakazi in the wings and with Pule Mmodi also in the team, then the coach has players he can use instead of signing Velebayi. But they are not going for him in January. Everyone at the club has agreed that won't be in January," the source added.
A second Siya source stated that the only time Chiefs could consider signing Velebayi would be at the end of the season if the coach feels he still needs him then.
"It will all depend on the coach. And that would be at the end of the season - not in January. He will analyse the season and come up with next season's plan and that's when he will say who he needs to be brought in and who should leave. So, if that is the time he needs Velebayi then the club will do their best to bring him to the team. But in January, it's a doubt as the coach really wants a striker in January not a winger," the second source stated.
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Notably, Velebayi can also play in central midfield, but the insiders have made their point that a striker is the priority target.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment, but no response was received at the time of preparing this story.
Amakhosi's transfer strategy for the upcoming January window is focused on securing a striker, with Mayele being a top target. While Velebayi was previously on their radar, the club has decided to prioritise other positions for now. The decision to revisit Velebayi's potential signing will depend on the coach's assessment at the end of the season, according to insiders.
