Kaizer Chiefs warned against signing Indonesia-based reported transfer target - 'For him to be in that league means his standard is not the best, Amakhosi are gambling'

Kaizer Chiefs are said to be after Portuguese striker Flavio Silva, who is currently plying his trade in Indonesia for Persebaya Surabaya.

The 29-year-old has never played football in Africa and could find himself at Amakhosi should they sign him.

Former Bidvest Wits, Supersport United, Free State Stars and Maritzburg United midfielder Joah Chivuta, who played in Thailand for more than 10 years and is familiar with Indonesian football, feels Chiefs are scouting players on the wrong grounds.

"Firstly, Chiefs shouldn’t be considering players from the Indonesia League, which is semi-professional and comparable to Cambodia and Laos," Chivuta told KickOff.

"Indonesia is not a top league where a club like Chiefs should be scouting for players. It is not even rated highly even here in Asia and no superstar ever goes there. Intensity is not high in the Indonesia League, so it will be difficult for this striker to make the cut at Chiefs.

"For him to be in that league means that his standard is not the best.  I came to Asia past my prime and after having played in the PSL, so it gives you the idea what I’m talking about," added the former Zambia international.  

"This guy’s trail is worrying and leaves a lot of questions in need of answers. He shouldn’t be signed because he was once in the development of Sporting and Benfica but rather what he has done in senior football and playing where. 

"If it is a quick fix and he settles in quickly, then they can take a chance with him.  But I feel Chiefs is gambling with this striker and I think they can do better than this. 

"Moving from Indonesia to South Africa is a huge upgrade and he will not cope at that age," the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winner continued..

"Besides the league where he has been playing, we also have to consider the kind of goals he has been scoring and playing against who in Indonesia. ...but a 29-year-old playing in Indonesia is not the solution for Chiefs."

Although born in Guinea-Bissau, Silva is a former Portugal youth international and came through the ranks of Sporting CP and Benfica.

After struggling to break into the Primeira Liga, the much-travelled forward has had stints at seven lower league clubs in Portugal, a spell in Luxembourg, before finding himself in Indonesia where he turned out for Persik Kediri and now Persebaya Surabaya.

His profile might not be convincing given how Chiefs' rivals Mamelodi Sundowns go for tried and tested players while breaking transfer records which has earned them domestic football dominance.

Chefs are expected to announce their new signings anytime soon before they leave for the pre-season camp in the Netherlands next week.

It is to be seen if Amakhosi coach Nasreddine Nabi will bring Silva to Naturena.