Kaizer Chiefs Set to Abandon Pursuit of Fiston Mayele Amid Transfer Complications

After months of speculation and behind-the-scenes negotiations, Kaizer Chiefs are now expected to step away from their long-standing pursuit of highly-rated Congolese striker Fiston Mayele. The decision marks a significant shift in their transfer strategy as they prepare for next season’s campaign, which includes participation in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Chiefs had long identified Mayele as a priority signing to bolster their attacking options, especially in light of the club’s return to continental football. However, multiple challenges have made the deal increasingly difficult to finalise, with sources close to the club confirming that the Soweto giants have opted to move on from the chase.

“There are many factors which are believed to have led to this decision by the team. Almost every time they want to sign him, the price goes up because there are other clubs interested in him as well, and now it’s believed that Pyramids FC are extending his contract, which makes it even harder to convince them to let him go. So it’s for these reasons that the club is believed to have reached a decision to give up on Mayele for now,” a club insider told Soccer Laduma.

Chiefs’ interest in Mayele had been constant, but rising costs and increased competition—particularly from North African clubs like Pyramids FC—have made the deal increasingly complex. With Pyramids now reportedly working on extending the striker’s contract, Chiefs have found themselves priced out of contention.

Despite the setback, Chiefs are not abandoning their mission to reinforce their attack. According to a second source close to the club, alternative targets are already being assessed. Among those mentioned are Kenyan star Michael Olunga and South Africa’s rising talent Yanela Mbuthuma.

“It doesn’t mean if they give up on Mayele they won’t be looking at other strikers. You remember Michael Olunga and Yanela Mbuthuma? Those are just some of the strikers the team is apparently looking at. They still need to bolster the striking force but Fiston Mayele could probably not be one of the targets anymore. They are looking at other different strikers now. Remember the team will be playing in Africa next season so they need strikers who can win games for the team,” the source revealed.

Currently, Chiefs have four natural strikers on their books: Wandile Duba, Ashley Du Preez, Ranga Chivaviro and Tashreeq Morris. However, their inconsistency in front of goal throughout the season has highlighted the need for a proven goalscorer to lead the line.

Soccer Laduma reached out to Kaizer Chiefs for comment on the Mayele situation, but no response was received at the time of publication.

This potential end to the Mayele pursuit underlines a strategic and pragmatic turn in Chiefs’ transfer planning. Rather than entering a bidding war or paying an inflated fee, the club appears focused on making financially and competitively sound decisions as they prepare for a demanding 2024/25 season.

With their Nedbank Cup success granting them a place in continental competition, the pressure is now on Chiefs to find a forward capable of delivering goals at home and on the African stage. Whether it’s Olunga, Mbuthuma, or a yet-unnamed target, the spotlight is firmly on Amakhosi’s next move in the transfer market.