Kaizer Chiefs’ Striker Hunt: What Tera Maliwa’s Silence Really Means for New Signings

Kaizer Chiefs have moved swiftly to quash transfer rumors linking them to Bennu Ivanga, the 32-year-old Cameroonian forward whose contract with Chippa United expires this June.

Despite Ivanga’s modest tally of three goals in 28 league appearances last season, his experience in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) has kept him on the radar of several clubs.

However, Chiefs have made it clear through head of recruitment Tera Maliwa that they have neither engaged with Ivanga nor his representatives.

This denial signals a deliberate shift in Chiefs’ recruitment philosophy.

The club is keen to rejuvenate its attacking options with younger players rather than relying on veterans whose best years may be behind them.

This strategy aligns with the vision of incoming head coach Nazarin Nabi, who is tasked with rebuilding a squad capable of mounting a serious challenge for domestic and continental honors.

Nabi’s recent scouting missions underline this intent.

After traveling to Tanzania, where Chiefs reportedly moved to sign Fisel Salum from Azam FC, the coach extended his search to Egypt.

Reliable sources confirm Nabi’s presence at the CAF Champions League final in Egypt, where he assessed potential striker options, including Fiston Mayele, a Congolese international currently with Egyptian side Pyramids FC.

Mayele has been a long-term target for Chiefs, with reports indicating that the club has pursued him for over three seasons.

At one point, Chiefs had the opportunity to sign him on a free transfer while he was playing in Tanzania, but the deal fell through.

Since then, Mayele’s value has increased following his instrumental role in helping Pyramids clinch their first-ever CAF Champions League title, notably defeating Mamelodi Sundowns in the final.

Former Chiefs striker Kanga Nzenza has publicly endorsed Mayele’s signing, revealing that he advised the club to acquire the forward two years ago.

Nzenza praised Mayele’s ability to blend with Chiefs’ playing style and highlighted his impact as a “super sub” for the national team, often changing games when coming off the bench.

Nzenza lamented that Chiefs did not act on his recommendation earlier, a decision that now seems even more costly given Mayele’s rising profile.

The pursuit of Mayele reflects Chiefs’ broader ambition to strengthen their frontline with a player capable of influencing matches at the highest level.

Nabi’s scouting efforts suggest a commitment to finding a striker who can perform both in the PSL and on the continental stage, where Chiefs seek to reassert themselves.

Meanwhile, Chiefs’ rivals Mamelodi Sundowns recently fell short in their quest for a second CAF Champions League title, losing narrowly to Pyramids FC.

Despite criticism of coach Miguel Kadosa’s tactics, club legend Itumeleng Khune defended the coach, emphasizing the progress Sundowns have made and urging the team to focus on upcoming challenges, including the FIFA Club World Cup.

For Chiefs, the window to rebuild is wide open.

With a new coach, fresh recruitment strategy, and clear targets like Mayele and Salum, the club is poised for a potential resurgence.

However, the success of this approach hinges on decisive action in the transfer market and the ability to integrate new signings effectively.

In summary, Kaizer Chiefs have dispelled rumors about Bennu Ivanga and are instead focused on recruiting younger, dynamic strikers to spearhead their attack.

Head coach Nazarin Nabi’s scouting missions to Tanzania and Egypt underscore a bold recruitment strategy aimed at restoring Chiefs’ competitive edge locally and continentally.

The pursuit of Fiston Mayele, backed by former players and insiders, could be a game-changer if negotiations succeed.

As Chiefs navigate this critical transfer period, fans eagerly await confirmation of new signings that can transform the squad.

Will Nabi’s scouting efforts bear fruit?

Can Chiefs secure Mayele and other promising talents to lead them back to glory?

The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the future of one of South Africa’s most storied football clubs.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.