In a twist that has left fans reeling, Kaizer Chiefs appear to have lost the race to sign long-term target Fiston Mayele, with the Congolese striker now reportedly heading to Saudi Arabia instead. The revelation comes directly from the player’s agent, who disclosed that the Glamour Boys turned down an opportunity to sign the prolific forward in 2023—a decision that now haunts the club as their search for attacking reinforcements continues.
### Chiefs’ Missed Opportunity in 2023
According to Mayele’s representative, Kaizer Chiefs were presented with the chance to secure the striker’s services last year, before the appointment of current head coach Nasreddine Nabi. At the time, Mayele—who had impressed as a dynamic goal threat during his stint with Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC (Yanga)—was valued at approximately R10 million. However, Chiefs’ management at the time opted against pursuing the deal, leaving the door open for rival interest.
The agent’s statement has sparked frustration among the Amakhosi faithful, many of whom have criticized the club’s recent transfer strategy. “It’s baffling that they didn’t act when they had the chance,” one fan tweeted. “Mayele was tearing up the [Tanzanian] league, and we’ve needed a clinical striker for years.”
### Saudi Arabia Bound: A New Chapter for Mayele
Fast-forward to 2024, and the 29-year-old forward’s career trajectory has taken a decisive turn. With his stock rising after consistent performances in Tanzania and continental competitions, Mayele is now set to join an unnamed Saudi Arabian club, according to his agent. The move aligns with the growing trend of African stars securing lucrative deals in the Middle East, though financial details of the transfer remain undisclosed.
This development dashes hopes of a revived deal with Kaizer Chiefs, who had been loosely linked to Mayele again in recent months. While Nabi’s arrival as coach fueled speculation of a renewed pursuit, the club’s hierarchy seemingly failed to re-engage with the player’s camp before Saudi interest materialized.
### Fan Backlash and Questions Over Chiefs’ Strategy
The news has intensified scrutiny over Kaizer Chiefs’ recruitment process, which has faced criticism for high-profile misses and delayed negotiations in recent windows. Mayele’s profile—a physical, agile striker with a proven goal-scoring record—seemed tailor-made to address Chiefs’ struggles upfront. Instead, the Soweto giants now face the familiar challenge of identifying alternative targets.
Social media has erupted with reactions, with supporters labeling the situation a “typical Chiefs blunder” and urging the club to act swiftly in the market. Others, however, have questioned whether the R10 million price tag in 2023 represented value for money, given the player’s age and lack of experience in South Africa’s top flight.
