Kaizer Chiefs’ hopes of snapping up a promising striker for free have hit a major roadblock after a crucial administrative change reshaped the player’s status at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Amakhosi had shown strong interest in Nigerian forward Etiosa Ighodaro, who was previously expected to leave Sundowns at no cost. However, the Tshwane-based club reportedly now plans to retain and monetise the striker after a pivotal shift in his registration status.
Sundowns flip the script on Ighodaro exit
Sundowns had initially planned to offload Ighodaro, who recently returned from a loan spell. But with the 23-year-old securing his Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) in South Africa, the Brazilians no longer see a need to release him to manage their foreign player quota.
A source confirmed the change in strategy, to Soccer Laduma.
“Since he still has a contract with Sundowns, what they are planning to do now is register him as a local next season instead of releasing him and make some cash by selling him to any team that is interested in him. Yes, they were planning to just release him but with him obtaining his Permanent Residence Permit (PRP), he can be registered as a local and that eases the foreign quota problems for Sundowns or any other team which would sign him from Sundowns as he will be registered as a local player.”
This move means Kaizer Chiefs will now need to pay a transfer fee if they want to secure the striker’s signature, something that may complicate their already tight recruitment strategy.
Chiefs face competition from rivals
While Kaizer Chiefs have kept a close eye on Ighodaro, they’re not the only club circling. Orlando Pirates, AmaZulu FC, Sekhukhune United, and even Russian outfit FC Baltika have also expressed interest in the striker.
With his new local status, Ighodaro has instantly become a more attractive asset in the South African football market. However, this also means Sundowns hold the upper hand. They can either integrate him into their squad or sell him to the highest bidder.
Where will ighodaro fit in? Kaizer Chiefs or Mamelodi Sundowns?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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