Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly won the race to sign highly-rated Congolese striker Fiston Mayele, edging out long-time admirers Kaizer Chiefs in the process.
According to reports from outside South Africa, Sundowns have successfully secured the services of the 27-year-old forward, who has been one of the most talked-about names in recent transfer windows. The deal is said to be worth a whopping R45 million a figure that underlines how seriously the Brazilians are backing coach Rhulani Mokwena’s plans for next season.
Mayele, who has impressed with his consistent goal-scoring exploits at Young Africans SC in Tanzania, had long been linked with a move to the DStv Premiership. Kaizer Chiefs were believed to be front-runners for his signature, having monitored his progress for months. However, Sundowns’ financial muscle and recent domestic dominance appear to have swung the deal in their favour.
The striker’s arrival will only add to the rich attacking depth Sundowns already boast, but it also sends a clear message to their rivals ahead of the new season the Brazilians mean business. With a CAF Champions League campaign and the FIFA Club World Cup also on the horizon, Sundowns are clearly building a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
For Chiefs, this is a disappointing blow. The Soweto giants are desperate to rebuild after several seasons without silverware, and missing out on Mayele one of their key targets could force them to revisit their transfer strategy. With fans growing restless, the pressure is on the Amakhosi management to respond quickly in the market.
While Sundowns continue to flex their financial power and sporting ambition, Chiefs will need to act decisively or risk falling even further behind in the pecking order.
If confirmed, the Mayele signing could prove to be one of the most decisive moves of the off-season not just because of the player’s quality, but also due to the statement it makes in the ever-intensifying rivalry between two of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
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