AmaZulu join Chiefs & SSU in Vilakazi interest?
Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United are likely to be joined by AmaZulu FC in their pursuit of Sibusiso Vilakazi from Mamelodi Sundowns, according to sources in the know.
As reported by the Siya crew in December, Chiefs had made informal enquiries into the Sundowns attacker’s availability, with the player’s future at Chloorkop becoming increasingly in doubt due to his lack of regular gametime.
SuperSport subsequently entered into the mix, with sources indicating last month that the club was considering to bring him on board.
Vilakazi has made only seven appearances in Downs’ DStv Premiership campaign so far this season, due to tight competition for places under coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena, while injuries have also played their part in derailing his progress.
The latest news reaching the crew is that AmaZulu are admirers of the 32-year-old and, according to sources, Vilakazi has been identified as a possible replacement for Siyethemba Sithebe, who will be leaving the Durban-based club for Chiefs at the end of the season after signing a pre-contract with them.
Following Benni McCarthy’s exit, having been replaced with Brandon Truter as an interim coach, Usuthu will want to assemble a formidable squad for next season as club management have prioritised challenging for honours going forward after the team played in its first ever CAF Champions League this season.
There could be a stumbling block for suitors though as the former Wits player has a longterm contract with Sundowns. Having joined the Brazilians in 2016 from the Students, Vila had his deal extended in 2020.
The player’s current deal runs until 2024, which means that any interested club would need to negotiate a transfer fee in order to sign him. Vilakazi is keen to return to the field to play more regularly and rekindle the performances and form that made him the Footballer of the Season in 2014.