DONE DEAL✍️: Mamelodi Sundowns Secure Mayele in R45 Million Transfer | Kaizer Chiefs Eye New Striker
Big news is buzzing in South African football as Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly won the race to sign Fiston Mayele, the prolific Congolese striker currently at Egypt’s Pyramids FC.
According to reports, Sundowns have agreed on a €2.2 million deal—equivalent to around R45 million—to secure Mayele’s services on a three-year contract starting after the 2024-25 season.
Mayele has earned a reputation as a goal machine during his time in Egypt, netting an impressive 41 goals.
Notably, he scored a crucial strike against Sundowns in the CAF Champions League final, showcasing his ability to perform on big stages.
Although his most recent season was quieter, Sundowns clearly believe in his talent and experience to enhance their attacking prowess.
This signing inevitably raises questions about the futures of Sundowns’ current forwards, Peter Shalulile and Lyle Moutiba, who occupy similar roles in the squad.
The club will also need to carefully manage its foreign player slots to accommodate Mayele’s arrival without disrupting squad balance.
Interest in Mayele reportedly came from other quarters, including Orlando Pirates and clubs from Saudi Arabia, but Sundowns’ swift action has secured what many are calling a major coup in the transfer market.
Fans and analysts alike are now debating whether Mayele will be the game-changer Sundowns need to maintain their dominance in South African and continental football.
Meanwhile, speculation continues about the potential impact on Shalulile and Moutiba’s playing time and future with the club.
On the other side of the rivalry, Kaizer Chiefs fans are reacting strongly to the club’s recent decision to release Edmilson Dove, the hardworking Mozambican left-back who served the team for three years.
Despite exercising a one-year contract extension option, the club opted not to retain him, which has sparked disappointment among supporters.
In response, Amakhosi are reportedly set to bring in former Orlando Pirates defender Basea Maku as Dove’s replacement.
However, this move has been met with mixed reactions.
Some fans question the wisdom of replacing a committed and reliable Dove with the 31-year-old Maku, citing concerns about age and potential injuries.
Social media has been rife with passionate debates, with some supporters praising Dove’s dedication and work ethic, while others acknowledge his occasional lapses in focus.
Still, many feel that the club’s decision undermines the stability of the defensive line.
Adding to the Chiefs’ transfer activity, the club is revisiting their pursuit of forward Robert Bolivka, a player they previously targeted during Gavin Hunt’s tenure.
A transfer ban at the time prevented the deal from materializing, but sources close to the club confirm that Chiefs are now seriously considering signing Bolivka as they intensify their search for a reliable goal scorer.
Bolivka, now more experienced than when first scouted in 2020, is seen as a viable option to address the team’s scoring challenges.
The scouts and management are familiar with his style and capabilities, leaving the final decision in the hands of the head coach and technical team after reviewing recent footage.
This renewed interest in Bolivka underscores Chiefs’ urgent need to strengthen their attacking options amid uncertainty surrounding other targets like Fiston Mayele.
The dynamics between these two PSL giants—Sundowns and Chiefs—are shifting rapidly with these transfers and squad changes.
Sundowns appear to be reinforcing their squad with high-profile signings, while Chiefs are navigating tough decisions to reshape their roster and regain competitive edge.
As the new season approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how these moves translate on the pitch.
Will Mayele’s arrival propel Sundowns to new heights?
Can Chiefs find the right balance with new signings like Maku and possibly Bolivka?
The answers will unfold in the coming months.
Football enthusiasts are encouraged to share their thoughts on these developments.
