STRIKE FORCE
Chiefs chase Evans Rusike
● Kaizer Chiefs have stepped up efforts to strengthen their strike force by seeking to snatch Zimbabwe international Evans Rusike from Maritzburg United.
Chiefs have made a formal approach for the marksman and the Sunday Times has been informed that they will have to part with R5-million to get Maritzburg to release their prized possession.
Rusike has 18 months left on his contract with the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands team he joined from Zimbabwe Saints in 2015.
Rusike, 27, has scored five league goals, the fifth coming in the 4-0 demolition of Bloemfontein Celtic at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night.
Bobby not done buying
At the official unveiling of their new players and new technical adviser Rob Hutting on Wednesday, Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung said the club had not completed its business in the transfer market.
“The player Chiefs are interested in right now is Evans Rusike. Officials of both teams have met to discuss,” a source close to the negotiations disclosed.
“Chiefs will have to pay top dollar because Rusike still has one year and six Picture: Gallo Images months to go on his contract.
“Chiefs are hellbent on getting their target but are trying hard to cut down the price,” added the source.
The pursuit of Rusike is aimed at further fortifying the forward line that has seen new additions at Naturena Village.
Amakhosi have already made three acquisitions in this January transfer window that have injected excitement among the club’s fans.
They signed Colombian striker Leonardo Castro from Mamelodi Sundowns as well as attacking midfielders Siphelele Ntshangase and Kabelo Mahlasela from Baroka FC and Bloemfontein Celtic respectively.
The Glamour Boys have also promoted 21year-old left-back Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya to the senior team from their development structures.
Billiat inquiry
Maritzburg chairman Farouk Kadodia has poured cold water on Chiefs’ advance for his top goalscorer.
“I haven’t had any formal approach from anybody. At the moment Rusike is not for sale. I don’t want to work in the world of ifs and buts. I can’t talk about something that is not there. We can’t talk about Rusike now unless we get a firm offer from any club,” said Kadodia.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan outfit Qarabag Agdam is the latest club to be linked with want-away Mamelodi Sundowns forward Khama Billiat.
“Qarabag asked about the player’s availability late in November and declared interest in signing him,” a source told the Sunday Times yesterday.
“But they have not submitted any offer. There’s nothing in writing at the moment. Their interest was subject to Dino Ndlovu leaving the club.”
We can’t talk about Rusike now unless we get a firm offer from any club Farouk Kadodia Maritzburg United chairman
Ndlovu goes Chinese
Bafana Bafana striker Ndlovu has penned a two-year deal with Chinese side Hangzhou Greentown in a transfer move that cost £675 000.
Billiat is a wanted man on the home front too. Bidvest Wits are believed to have made an approach.
The rumour mill is buzzing with speculation that Wits have set their sights on Abbubaker Mobara of Orlando Pirates in a deal that will see Xola Mlambo moving in the opposite direction.
Wits coach Gavin Hunt hinted at a big signing coming to the Students and seemed resigned to losing winger Vincent Pule.
“I will be doing business, you will hear big stories. I don’t want Pule to leave, but he is wanted by a big club in South Africa and will go in June,” said Hunt.