Could Chiefs pounce for Sibusiso Vilakazi?

This week it was confirmed that Mamelodi Sundowns have officially parted ways with former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Maluleka after just two seasons.

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Now, according to FARPost, the latest departure is expected to be that of Sibusiso Vilakazi, who has been at the club since 2016 after joining from Bidvest Wits.

The report states that Vilakazi’s contract expires at the end of June, and apparently Sundowns have decided not to exercise their option to extend. 

As previously reported by The South African, Vilakazi is said to have been a target at Naturena, although SuperSport and AmaZulu were believed to be prospective suitors as well.

“Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United are likely to be joined by AmaZulu FC in their pursuit of Sibusiso Vilakazi from Mamelodi Sundowns,” Soccer Laduma reported in a recent issue.

“As reported by the Siya crew in December, Chiefs had made informal enquiries into the Sundowns attacker’s availability, with the player’s future at Chloorkop increasingly in doubt due to his regular lack of game time,” the outlet added.

“SuperSport subsequently entered into the mix, with sources indicating last month that the club was considering bringing him on board.

“The latest news reaching the Siya crew is that AmaZulu are admirers of the 32-year-old, and according to sources, Vilakazi has been identified as a possible replacement for Siyethemba Sithebe, who will be leaving the Durban-based club to join Chiefs at the end of the season after signing a pre-contract with them.”

The Chiefs are currently continuing an extensive recruitment drive

The Soweto giants recently confirmed that Zitha Kwinika and Ashley du Preez are soon set to make the move to Naturena as of the 1st of July.

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It’s clear that Chiefs are looking to rebuild their squad to be more competitive next year, and after signing Siyethemba Sithebe from AmaZulu on a pre-contract, reports also suggest Chiefs are closing in on Pule Mmodi.

In addition, Amakhosi are said to be willing to splash the cash to secure the services of the Sekhukhune United star Yusuf Maart, who remains a key target.

Meanwhile, it’s been reported that Kobamelo Kodisang could still quite possibly make a move to Kaizer Chiefs despite his overseas club triggering a two-year contract option. There has been talk that Braga intend to loan Kodisang out to the lower division, which is not an appealing prospect for the former Bidvest Wits playmaker who moved to Braga three years ago. It’s since been suggested that Naturena could be a potential destination if Kodisang does leave the Portuguese side.

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According to reports in Ghana, Amakhosi have apparently made contact with Asante Kotoko over 20-year-old Cameroon striker Franck Mbella, while leading agent Mike Makaab has suggested there are key talks on the go with three players.

Chiefs have clearly indicated there will be ‘drastic’ changes to ensure they become a more well-rounded team next season, and according so Soccer Laduma, the club may be closing in on Swallows duo Kamohelo Mahlatsi and Dillon Solomons. 

Furthermore, Democratic Republic of Congo midfielder Fabrice Ngoma has reportedly been offered to Amakhosi as a free agent, while the club has apparently reignited interest in recruiting former SA youth international Thabo Cele, who currently plays for Polish side Radomiak Radom.

All this transfer talk comes as Chiefs released as many as 10 players, while transfer-listing Anthony Akumu.