As Shalulile and Mabasa become available, Kaizer Chiefs face a familiar January question
With the arrival of Colombian striker Brayan León, Peter Shalulile is expected to slide further down the pecking order at Mamelodi Sundowns. With Kaizer Chiefs desperate for a proven goalscorer, could he find himself at Naturena?
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The January transfer window is beginning to shape the balance of power in the Betway Premiership, with two established strikers potentially on the move as clubs weigh ambition against pragmatism.
Mamelodi Sundowns have once again dipped into the South American market, completing the signing of Colombian striker Brayan León from Independiente Medellín. The arrival of another high-profile forward appears to place Peter Shalulile’s long-term future at the club in doubt.
Shalulile, who has been the subject of persistent speculation this season, is no longer the undisputed first-choice striker and is likely to slide further down the pecking order following León’s reported R58 million arrival. At 32, however, Shalulile remains at an age where he can still offer plenty at top-flight level and will believe he has more to give in the Betway Premiership.
Another striker who could become available is Orlando Pirates’ Tshegofatso Mabasa, who has found opportunities limited this season amid tactical shifts and increased competition for places. With just six months remaining on his contract, Mabasa is free to begin discussions with interested clubs.
Whether Pirates opt to cash in now or risk losing him for nothing at the end of the season remains an open question, but his situation is one that will not have gone unnoticed around the league.
One club in particular that will be monitoring both situations closely is Kaizer Chiefs, who remain in search of a reliable goalscorer.
Amakhosi brought in Flavio Silva during the off-season in an attempt to address their long-standing struggles in front of goal, but the Guinea-Bissau striker has scored just four times in all competitions and has yet to establish himself as a consistent threat.
Another striker who has yet to make a decisive impact for Chiefs is Khanyisa Mayo, signed on loan from Algerian side CR Belouizdad. Despite featuring in seven games, the 27-year-old has found the net only once, highlighting the ongoing challenges Amakhosi face in finding a reliable goalscorer. Mayo’s limited returns further underline why Chiefs might be tempted to explore alternative options as the January window unfolds.
Shalulile and Mabasa are proven performers in the Betway Premiership and would require little to no adaptation time, making them immediate-impact options.
For Chiefs, the equation is simple: goals are non-negotiable. With patience wearing thin and pressure mounting to return to genuine contention, Amakhosi may conclude that the most effective solution lies not in another costly gamble from abroad, but in a calculated move for a striker who already understands the league, its demands and its unforgiving scrutiny.
IOL Sport
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