✍ STRIKER PROFESSIONAL & MKHULISE | YAYA SITHOLE TO DOWNS? REQUEST SAFA
South African football is once again heating up with three key developments that could reshape club strategies and national priorities before the end of the current season.
First, a professional striker whose name has yet to be officially revealed has reportedly signed with a major PSL club.
At the same time, Siphelele Mkhulise, the long-serving Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, is making waves with increasing transfer speculation.
Meanwhile, Yaya Sithole is now being closely linked to Sundowns, while SAFA steps in with a new request that could affect the timing and availability of several players.
These moving pieces reflect the shifting balance in South African football as clubs look to reinforce and reconfigure their squads ahead of the next campaign.
Starting with the headline-grabbing news, a striker identified only as a “professional international-level forward” has reportedly completed terms with a top-tier club.
Sources close to the situation suggest that the deal is with a Gauteng-based PSL side.
While some fans initially suspected Orlando Pirates or SuperSport United, strong indications now point toward Kaizer Chiefs, who have been actively pursuing attacking reinforcements following a season of blunt finishing and inconsistent form in front of goal.
The player’s identity has been kept under wraps for contractual reasons, but insiders describe him as a physically imposing, quick-footed forward with an eye for goal—exactly the kind of presence Amakhosi has lacked in recent months.
Kaizer Chiefs’ current attacking unit has been underperforming in critical fixtures, and the board has been under mounting pressure to deliver results.
The new striker is expected to arrive before the close of the window and make an immediate impact, possibly even making his debut in the upcoming Soweto Derby if paperwork clears on time.
Chiefs fans, desperate for revival, are hopeful this signing could be the turning point in their offensive strategy.
Meanwhile, Siphelele Mkhulise’s future continues to be a point of intense debate.
Although still under contract with Mamelodi Sundowns, his role in the squad has significantly diminished under coach Rulani Mokwena.
The midfielder, known for his tight control, positional awareness, and ability to break lines with clever passes, is reportedly unsettled due to limited game time and tactical constraints placed on his style of play.
Rumors now link him to a handful of PSL clubs including Kaizer Chiefs, Stellenbosch FC, and even a surprise inquiry from overseas.
While Sundowns have not officially listed him for transfer, there are whispers from within the club suggesting that the Brazilians may be open to listening to offers if the right valuation is met.
Mkhulise has made over 100 appearances for Sundowns and has contributed to multiple title-winning campaigns, but the player’s camp is believed to be looking for a new environment where his talent can be fully expressed again.
His next move could define the trajectory of his career and offer a boost to any team seeking midfield creativity.
Another name drawing significant attention is Yaya Sithole.
The young midfielder, currently rising through the ranks and earning praise for his mature performances, has caught the eye of Sundowns scouts.
Known for his vision and composure under pressure, Sithole is considered one of the country’s most promising midfield prospects.
Though no official offer has been made public, reports indicate that Sundowns are preparing a package to bring the player into their setup as part of their long-term succession plan.
Sithole’s current club is believed to be holding firm on their valuation, with negotiations hinging on performance-based clauses and future sell-on percentages.
For Sundowns, investing in a rising star like Sithole aligns with their broader strategy of combining seasoned professionals with dynamic youth talent.
His potential addition to the squad is also seen as a safeguard against the aging core of Sundowns’ midfield, as they prepare for both domestic and continental competitions.
Amid all this, SAFA (South African Football Association) has entered the picture with an official request to PSL clubs.
The association is asking for increased player release flexibility ahead of upcoming national team fixtures, particularly those affecting U-23 and Bafana Bafana squads.
SAFA’s concern centers on the congested fixture schedule that threatens to limit player availability due to overlapping league commitments and CAF obligations.
This request, while not mandatory, has stirred mixed reactions from clubs.
Some are willing to cooperate, recognizing the importance of national pride and player development.
Others, particularly those battling for league positions or trying to integrate new transfers, are more hesitant.
Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns all have players regularly called up for national duty, and the tension between club and country is once again taking center stage.
For players like Mkhulise and Sithole, national team exposure remains a major career goal, but they also face the reality that missing critical matches with their clubs could affect their place in starting lineups and long-term plans.
Clubs are now balancing their ambitions against the backdrop of SAFA’s request and the need to protect their assets amid a turbulent transfer season.
As all these pieces come together, fans are glued to every update.
Will the unnamed striker transform Chiefs’ attacking fortunes? Will Mkhulise find a new home and rediscover his best form? Will Sithole rise to national stardom at Sundowns or stay put for further development? And can SAFA’s request help strengthen the national team, or will it drive a deeper wedge between club and country?
These are the questions dominating football debates across South Africa this week, and the answers will shape the path of the season to come.
One thing is clear: behind every rumor and negotiation is a high-stakes game of ambition, legacy, and identity that only South African football can deliver.
