Kaizer Chiefs Face Stiff Competition from RS Berkane in Race for Steven Dese Mukwala

Kaizer Chiefs’ pursuit of Ugandan striker Steven Dese Mukwala has taken a complicated turn, with Moroccan club RS Berkane now making a strong move to hijack the deal. The Soweto giants have long been linked with the prolific Simba SC forward, but new developments suggest they may need to dig deeper into their transfer budget if they hope to land their man.

According to a report by Africafoot, RS Berkane have tabled a formal bid of $300,000 (approximately R5.6 million) for Mukwala, sending a clear signal of their intent. The 24-year-old has enjoyed a standout season at Tanzanian giants Simba SC, netting 12 goals and registering three assists—numbers that have naturally caught the attention of top African clubs.

Mukwala’s consistent form and sharp instincts in front of goal have made him one of the most sought-after forwards on the continent, and Kaizer Chiefs have been among the most interested suitors. With newly appointed recruitment head Nasreddine Nabi leading the charge, Amakhosi were believed to be making headway after Nabi reportedly held a meeting with the player’s agent in Dar es Salaam.

That meeting highlighted Chiefs’ serious interest, but sources close to the situation suggest that Simba SC may be leveraging that interest to increase Mukwala’s market value. Now, with RS Berkane putting forward a concrete offer, the price tag for the Ugandan striker has effectively been set, and Chiefs will need to act decisively if they intend to stay in the race.

Chiefs are in desperate need of a reliable goal scorer after struggling to find consistent form in the final third in recent seasons. Mukwala fits the profile of a modern forward—athletic, aggressive, and composed in front of goal—and is viewed as a long-term solution to the club’s scoring woes.

However, the Moroccan club’s entry into the race significantly raises the stakes. RS Berkane are not only offering a competitive transfer fee but also have the financial muscle and CAF competition pedigree that could appeal to a player looking to elevate his career.

While Mukwala remains under contract at Simba SC, insiders believe the Tanzanian side is open to selling him at the right price, especially if a bidding war erupts. For Chiefs, this means any potential deal will need to be both financially attractive and quickly executed to avoid losing out.

As of now, Kaizer Chiefs are still in the picture—but the path to landing Steven Dese Mukwala is more complicated than ever. With RS Berkane now firmly in the mix, the Soweto giants must decide whether to meet the rising demands or risk watching another top target slip through their fingers.