Due to Kaizer Chiefs' search for a proven goalscorer and Mamelodi Sundowns' reported willingness to let striker Peter Shalulile leave for the right price, the Siya crew finds out whether Amakhosi are considering the Namibian.
Sources within Chiefs who are knowledgeable about player movements have indicated that while the club admires Shalulile, he was never seriously considered as a transfer target.
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The insiders added that several factors have deterred Chiefs from pursuing Shalulile, with his cost believed to be a significant reason.
"No, Chiefs could not move for Peter (Shalulile). Not even if he was a free agent. You know, when a player like Shalulile comes as a free agent he is even more expensive because of the signing on fee and the big salary that he comes with. But as you know, Chiefs have a limited budget and that could not be close to buying Shalulile. I heard his price tag is R75 million. Which team in South Africa can go for such a player? Tell me," asked the Siya source.
"So, Chiefs are out of the race for that. And we understand he still has a contract at Sundowns. That means he has to be bought and not go for free. So that's out of reach for Chiefs and they are not interested in him," the source added.
A second insider stated that Chiefs are keen to avoid repeating past financial missteps, referencing high earners like Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly, who had under-delivered.
"Billiat was good at Sundowns. Dolly was good at Sundowns and when they came to Chiefs they were earning good money but they could not give Chiefs what they were looking for from them. Not that the same would happen to Shalulile in the event he signs for Chiefs but they have learnt bitter lessons and that's the other reason why they would not go for a higher earner who comes as a free agent. So to tell you the truth, the club didn't event consider him though they are looking for a striker at the moment," the second source stated.
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As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Sundowns are believed to have set a R75 million price tag on Shalulile and are open to transferring him amidst interest from North Africa and the Middle East.
Consequently, Sundowns are also thought to be scouting potential replacements should he depart. The 31-year-old Namibia national team captain joined the Brazilians in 2020 and has been consistently outstanding, winning the top goalscorer award twice.
Last season, he just fell short to Orlando Pirates' Tshegofatso Mabasa for the prize. This year, he hasn't been prolific because of new signing Iqraam Rayners being favoured to lead the line—so Shalulile has been below his usual standards. Attempts to contact Chiefs for comment went unanswered at the time of publishing.
