Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly made up their minds on whether or not to continue their pursuit of a midfielder.
Chiefs are thought to be in the market for top quality midfield anchor that can complement Thabo Cele next season.
Chiefs search for Cele midfield partner
Cele joined the club in the January transfer window and has already been a revelation for the club. Since returning from Europe, he has been a mainstay in the Chiefs line up when fit. His performances have often come with him punching above his weight in his secondary position as a six. For this reason, Amakhosi have been rumoured to find a perfect midfield partner that will free him up next season.
It was initially reported that his good friend and fellow Chiefs fan Siphephelo Sithole was the main target. Like Cele, the Bafana Bafana international had been the subject of interest from the club in the past. He, too has not hidden his affinity to the Glamour Boys.
Now after renewed talk of Sithole joining Chiefs recently, according to Soccer-Laduma, the deal won’t happen.
Reject chance to sign Sithole?
“There are some decisions which the team (Chiefs) is believed to be taking because of the players they already have. You see with Yaya (Sithole) there are about four players already in that position in Edson Castillo, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Samkelo Zwane, as well as Yusuf Maart if he will still be around. So, the club apparently feels that position will be overloaded so that’s why they are believed to be withdrawing from signing Yaya,” said the source.
A second source says Chiefs also factored Sithole’s injury record before making the decision.
“The injury has affected the whole move. The club scouts and recruiters feel like it would be a risk signing him as he has been out for a long time due to injury though he is a good player. And the other issue is the club (Chiefs) is still looking at the possibility of keeping Njabulo Blom which means they would not need Sithole and that’s the other reason why they are backtracking on signing him,” said the second source.
Injury concerns valid?
Chiefs fans, how do you feel about the club deciding against pursuing a quality player like Sithole? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
