Kaizer Chiefs Expand East African Talent Search as Jean Charles Ahoua Becomes Transfer Target

Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly intensifying their East African scouting efforts, with a second high-profile target emerging from Tanzania’s top flight. Following earlier reports linking Amakhosi to Azam FC midfielder Feisal Salum, fresh developments suggest that Simba SC’s Ivorian international Jean Charles Ahoua has also caught the eye of head coach Nasreddine Nabi.

According to insiders close to the player, Simba SC, and Kaizer Chiefs, the Soweto giants have expressed serious interest in Ahoua, who was instrumental in helping Simba reach the final of the CAF Confederation Cup. The Tanzanian club is said to have slapped a price tag of US $600,000 (around R10.7 million) on the 23-year-old midfielder, who joined the club in July 2024 on a two-year contract.

Sources have revealed that both coach Nabi and Chiefs’ official Tera Maliwa were recently in Tanzania on a scouting mission that included Ahoua and Salum. Their presence has added weight to the growing speculation that Chiefs are seriously considering bolstering their midfield with East African talent.

“Nabi was here last month and it’s believed he said he was after Feisal Salum from Azam FC as well as Jean Charles Ahoua from Simba SC. Apparently Kaizer Chiefs have shown keen interest in these two players. It will all depend on the talks now on which one they can sign or if they sign both,” a source told Soccer Laduma.

A second insider close to the situation confirmed that Simba are open to selling Ahoua, especially with just a year remaining on his current contract. However, any potential deal hinges on Chiefs meeting the club’s valuation.

“They are willing to sell him at the price they want. It’s round about 600k USD (R10.7 million). So Chiefs have to meet that if they really want him. That’s how things are with Jean and Kaizer Chiefs,” the source said.

Ahoua has had a standout season with Simba under coach Fadlu Davids, featuring prominently in both domestic competitions and the CAF Confederation Cup, where he contributed goals and consistent performances that helped propel the club to the final.

When contacted for comment, Simba SC media officer Ahmed Ally stated there had been no formal approach from Kaizer Chiefs as of yet, suggesting that any discussions are still in the exploratory phase.

“I have heard about that but as a club we did not receive any communication from them so far,” Ally told the Siya crew.

The growing interest in both Ahoua and Salum underscores the shifting recruitment strategy at Naturena, with coach Nabi leveraging his deep knowledge of East African football to unearth potential gems. Whether Chiefs will be prepared to meet Simba’s asking price remains to be seen, especially if they are weighing the possibility of signing both midfielders.

As Kaizer Chiefs look to rebuild a squad capable of domestic and continental success, Ahoua’s proven pedigree in CAF competitions could prove invaluable. With the off-season transfer window approaching, the ball now appears firmly in Amakhosi’s court.