Chiefs players in training. Photo: Twitter

Chiefs no longer hunting these TWO targets?

Two high-profile players who have been linked to Kaizer Chiefs seem to no longer be on the club’s wish list.

by Craig Lewis

08-03-2023 16:53

in Premier Soccer League

Chiefs players in training. Photo: Twitter

Recently it was suggested that Kaizer Chiefs could be keen on swooping in for Andile Jali, who is still facing an increasingly uncertain future at Sundowns.

Talks are ongoing and sensitive, with recent reports suggesting that Jali has been guilty of ill-discipline as he grows increasingly frustrated at the club, while the player’s representative has called on Sundowns to make a decision on whether or not they want to keep the 32-year-old at the club.

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It’s recently been reported that Chiefs were in talks with Jali, but in the latest report from Phakaaathi, it now appears that Amakhosi are no longer interested.

The change in thinking reportedly could be as a result of recent rumours suggesting Jali had allegedly turned up at training under the influence.

“Arthur (Zwane, the Chiefs coach) is very strict on such things. He does not want players whose lifestyle can be a disturbance to his team,” a source said.

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Talk has also gone quiet regarding Pule Mmodi and links to Chiefs.

There is still a real opportunity if the Soweto giants wanted to swoop in considering the playmaker apparently still has his heart set on leaving Golden Arrows to join Kaizer Chiefs sooner rather than later, but word on the ground suggests Amakhosi are no longer looking at this option.

In fact, reports suggest that AmaZulu are now leading the way in terms of the only viable remaining interest in Mmodi.

Below we took a look at other players Chiefs could be interested in:

Ashley Cupido

There’s a lot to like about the Cape Town Spurs striker, who is one of the brightest young prospects in South African football, and whose progress is said to have been monitored by Chiefs, Pirates and even possibly Sundowns.

In the second tier of SA football, Cupido has been in impressive form, and it would be no surprise if he has indeed caught the eye of some talent scouts from Chiefs at a time when adding more firepower to their attacking options would certainly be an appealing prospect.

The playmaker, who scored a brace this past weekend to take his tally to 13 league goals for the season, is reportedly being very closely observed as the season progresses. However, his representatives apparently seem most keen to wait for an overseas offer.

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Denis Nya

This one would be a surprise, but some rumours suggest Chiefs are looking at securing the services of Nigerian defender Denis Nya in what would be a notable signing for next season.

According to Soccer Laduma, Chiefs are exploring the option of further bolstering their defence, and have identified Nya as a possible target from Zambian powerhouse club Zesco United.

The report states that Chiefs had even sent out scouts to assess the 26-year-old during a game last month, and if true, it will be very interesting to see what the feedback might be.

Junior Mendieta

Towards the end of February, news did some to light, suggesting Chiefs have allegedly made contact with Stellenbosch FC regarding the possibility of signing their star playmaker, who has previously stated that he would be open to joining Amakhosi.

“Chiefs have made contact just to check Junior’s availability,” a source told GOAL. “They also did the same thing with Zitha and Ashley before they opened transfer talks towards the end of last season. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if they come back and make an attempt to sign Junior because he is a superb player.”

Mduduzi Mdantsane

Chiefs were on the verge of securing the services ofMdantsane during the last transfer window, but the deal collapsed at the last minute.

Yet there have been whispers that Amakhosi may once again reignite interest in the midfielder, with that sort of recent talk continuing to grow louder and louder.

However, City chairman John Comitis has said that after opting to exercise the one-year option his contract, they will also look at securing his services in the long-term. Unfortunately for Chiefs, they seem to have lost out on any hopes of reviving this signing.