In a significant move signaling their intent to bolster their attack, Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly closing in on the signing of DR Congo striker Fiston Kalala Mayele. Sources close to the negotiations have confirmed to multiple outlets that a **verbal agreement** has been reached between the player and the Glamour Boys for a move ahead of the 2024/25 season.
The potential deal, however, comes with notable conditions. It’s understood that the 30-year-old forward, currently on the books of Egyptian Premier League side Pyramids FC, has agreed to join Amakhosi **only on a one-year contract**. Furthermore, Mayele is reportedly demanding a substantial **monthly salary of R1.5 million**.
**Key Details of the Deal:**
1. **Verbal Agreement:** Negotiations have progressed positively, leading to a verbal understanding between Mayele and Chiefs management. This indicates a strong mutual interest in finalizing the move.
2. **Short-Term Commitment:** Mayele’s insistence on a one-year deal suggests the player may view this as an opportunity to reignite his career in a high-profile league before potentially seeking other options, or it could be a negotiating point Chiefs agreed to secure his signature.
3. **Significant Wage Demand:** The reported R1.5 million per month salary would place Mayele among the very highest earners at Naturena and within the DStv Premiership. This figure represents a major investment by Chiefs and underscores their determination to land a proven goal threat.
**Who is Fiston Mayele?**
Mayele is a familiar name to followers of African football, particularly in Southern and East Africa. He rose to prominence during a highly successful stint with Tanzanian giants Young Africans (Yanga SC) between 2021 and 2023. During his time in Dar es Salaam, he was prolific, forming a feared partnership with Pacome Zouzoua and playing a pivotal role in Yanga’s league title triumph and their run to the CAF Confederation Cup final in 2023. His performances earned him a move to Pyramids FC in Egypt in August 2023. While opportunities have been more limited in a star-studded Pyramids squad, his goal-scoring pedigree is well-established.
**Why Chiefs Want Him:**
Kaizer Chiefs have struggled for consistent firepower in recent seasons. Signing a striker of Mayele’s calibre, with proven experience scoring goals in continental competitions and high-pressure environments, directly addresses a critical weakness. His pace, movement, and finishing ability could significantly enhance Amakhosi’s attacking potency.
**The Salary Hurdle:**
The R1.5 million monthly wage demand is the most significant aspect of this report. While Chiefs have shown willingness to invest under their new technical team and sporting director, this figure is substantial. It remains to be seen if this is the final agreed amount or if further negotiation is possible. Agreeing to such terms would demonstrate Chiefs’ serious ambition but also place considerable expectation on Mayele to deliver immediate and significant returns on that investment.
**What’s Next?**
While the verbal agreement is a crucial step, the deal is not yet finalized. The next stages involve:
* Formalizing the agreement between Kaizer Chiefs and Pyramids FC regarding a transfer fee or loan terms.
* Finalizing the contractual details, including the salary package and the one-year duration.
* Completing medical examinations.
**Disclaimer:** This information is based on reports from sources close to the negotiation. Neither Kaizer Chiefs nor Fiston Mayele have officially confirmed the agreement at the time of writing.
**Conclusion:**
Kaizer Chiefs appear to have won the race for Fiston Mayele’s signature on a verbal level, a major coup in their rebuilding efforts. The agreement on a short-term deal and the acceptance of his high salary demand indicate Chiefs’ urgency to secure a top-class striker. If successfully completed, this signing has the potential to electrify the Naturena faithful, but the pressure on Mayele to justify his hefty wage bill will be immense from day one. All eyes are now on the club to officially seal the deal.
