The Fiston Mayele chase: Can Kaizer Chiefs finally land the sharpshooter who lit up Africa and is he still the right fit?

Ever since the Congolese striker lit up East Africa with Young Africans SC under Nasreddine Nabi, Chiefs have kept one eye on his progress. Back then, Mayele was a goal-scoring machine, terrorising defences in both the Tanzanian Premier League and Caf competitions with clinical ease and electric pace.

Yet despite strong interest, nothing materialised. Chiefs were reportedly put off by hefty salary demands, Young Africans’ reluctance to let go of their star man and ultimately, Mayele’s big-money move to Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in 2023.

Fast forward to 2025: Nabi is in the hot seat at Naturena, tasked with reviving the club’s fortunes after a turbulent campaign. And once again, Mayele’s name is circling the Amakhosi rumour mill with renewed heat. This time, the stakes and the expectations are higher.

Fresh off a historic Caf Champions League triumph with Pyramids, in which he scored a pivotal goal in the final against Mamelodi Sundowns, Mayele’s stock is soaring. Chiefs, desperate for a proven finisher to solve their long-standing goal-scoring woes, are believed to be exploring the possibility of finally bringing their long-time target to South Africa.

If there’s one thing Mayele brings to the table, it’s a relentless hunger for goals. During his time at Young Africans, he didn’t just score, he announced himself with every strike. Whether curling in long-range rockets or burying instinctive finishes inside the box, Mayele built a reputation as a forward who could deliver under pressure and in any scenario.

His transition to Pyramids only reinforced that status. In a league known for its tactical rigidity and physical demands, Mayele adapted with impressive ease. He continues to find the net regularly, proving he’s a continental-calibre striker.

Quick off the mark and physically imposing, Mayele is the kind of forward who relishes direct play. He’s fearless in one-on-one situations, sharp in transition and constantly sniffing out spaces in the box. What sets him apart, though, is that innate striker’s instinct, always arriving at the right moment, often when defenders least expect it. For any coach looking to sharpen their attack, Mayele isn’t just a good option, he’s a complete weapon.

On the surface, it feels like football fate: a proven striker and the coach who once unlocked his full potential, reuniting at South Africa’s most iconic club. The prospect of Mayele linking up once again with Nabi is enough to get Chiefs fans dreaming.

Nabi’s football philosophy leans heavily into attacking ambition. His sides are known for their sharp transitions, quick ball progression, and an emphasis on vertical movement. It’s a style that demands a striker who’s not only lethal in front of goal but also intelligent in his movement - someone who can stretch defences, hold up play and bring midfielders into the game.

That profile fits Mayele to a tee.

However, as ideal as the reunion sounds on paper, the reality on the pitch is more complex. Chiefs’ current squad is still finding its feet under Nabi’s vision. The attacking rhythm isn’t always fluid and the midfield link-up remains a work in progress. Without consistent supply, even the sharpest of strikers can find themselves frustrated and isolated.

There’s also the matter of balance. Some observers feel Nabi’s system can sometimes become too direct, bypassing build-up phases and placing heavy responsibility on the frontman to deliver without much support.

Mayele’s chemistry with Nabi might be there. But in the unforgiving pressure of the Premier Soccer League, where margins are razor-thin and expectations sky-high, chemistry alone won’t be enough. The big question is whether the supporting cast and the system, can elevate him, or leave him chasing shadows.

Here’s where the emotional excitement must give way to cold business sense. Mayele is 30 years old. For a striker, that’s often the tipping point between peak and plateau. And while his numbers still look excellent, the question remains: how long can he maintain this level?

Pyramids know what they have. They signed him for a reason and are unlikely to let him go cheaply. That could mean Chiefs would need to break the bank, or significantly stretch their wage bill, to bring him to Naturena.

For a club looking to rebuild sustainably, that’s a big call. A short-term boost in firepower could come at the expense of long-term planning. And given the high turnover of players at Chiefs in recent years, fans may wonder if this is yet another big-name buy without a strategic vision.

If Mayele proves too costly or too complicated, who else could Chiefs turn to?

One name that has been linked to the club is Michael Olunga, the towering Kenyan international who is currently a free agent after officially parting ways with Al Duhail in Qatar. He brings an even more prolific record and physical presence, but would likely command a salary to match. That might take him out of reach unless a marquee investment is green-lit.

Etiosa Ighodaro is another option. Young, hungry and could be a savvy long-term signing.

There’s also Simba SC’s Jean Charles Ahoua - a player whom Nabi holds in high regard.

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