Sought-after Congolese striker Fiston Kalala Mayele is reportedly eyeing a blockbuster transfer to the DStv Premiership after impressing in continental competitions for Young Africans this season.
Mayele is producing eye-catching performances at the Tanzanian giants with 12 goals, alongside one assist in 13 appearances in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup this season.
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The 29-year-old grabbed an impressive seven goals in the CAF Champions League before adding five more goals - including a brace against Rivers United of Nigeria - in the Confederation Cup.
In Ligi Kuu Bara (Tanzania Premier League), Mayele has scored a further 17 league goals as Yanga move towards defending their title.
Mayele has been set for a reported USD 600 000 (approx. R10,9 million) move to Sudanese heavyweights Al Hilal with claims circulating that he was set to earn an eye-watering USD 20 000 (approximately R360 000 monthly).
Al Hilal head coach and compatriot Florent Ibenge has expressed his desire to recruit the dreadlocked forward to his squad for next season.
However, the conflict in Sudan where army units and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces began clashing since a week-and-a-half ago killing hundreds and causing shortages of water, food, medicine, and fuel has meant the North African country is now a no-go area with evacuation of citizens ongoing.
Khartoum and its twin city Omdurman – where Al Hilal are based – have been the focal points of the war.
These developments in Sudan have meant the option of Al Hilal is no longer viable whatever the case.
This then means Mayele will again look to the DStv Premiership where issues have been around what he is demanding.
To move to South Africa where there is widespread interest, the Congolese is demanding at least three times what he is earning in Tanzania where he is already on a six-figure rand salary and among the top earners in the East African country.
The striker's salary expectations could be easily met by Mamelodi Sundowns who however are not in the market for a new striker with Peter Shalulile the focal point of the Brazilians' attack.
Similarly Kaizer Chiefs also boast Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana and Christian Saile Basomboli who were recently recruited at the beginning of the season.
Could Orlando Pirates then be the option considering that they are offloading Kwame Peprah in June?
Only time will tell.
Word is that Mayele is genuinely keen on a move to South Africa as he also has outstanding money issues with Yanga relating to his signing-on fees.
Those that have consistently watched him in action have raised concerns about if he would deliver in the DStv Premiership given the standard of opposition in the Tanzanian league.
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