Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly started talks with Uthongathi FC midfielder Saziso Magawana in a bid to bolster their squad for the 20/21 campaign.
The Chiefs were punished by FIFA with a two-window transfer ban for singing Malagasy player Andriamirado “Dax” Andrianamimanana in February last year, who was still under contract obligations with Fosa Juniors FC at the time.
However, Amakhosi look to have set the wheels in motion well ahead of the expiration date of their ban, July this year.
According to KickOff, a source close to the club revealed, “Kaizer Chiefs are very interested in signing Magawana from Uthongathi FC.
“There have been formal talks with Chiefs, registering their interest to sign the player.
“The deal could be concluded very soon.”
22-year-old Magawana has been on Coach Gavin Hunt’s radar since February and is believed to be deemed a replacement in plans for a huge squad overhaul in the summer.
The Chiefs have struggled to maintain consistent form this season and sit 11th in the group standings, six points away from the drop zone. It is believed that Hunt is prioritising defensive reinforcements as the Chiefs’ backline has leaked 21 goals in the last 18 league games.
Reports indicate that Chiefs’ scouts are working around the clock to identify the right players for the new season, with linked names including SuperSport’s Sipho Mbule and Bradley Gobler, Phathutsedzo Nange, Swallows’ Sifiso Hlanti, Kgaogelo Sekgota, and highly-rated defender Njabulo Ngcoco, as well as Stellenbosch’s Leletu Skelem, and free agent Brandon Peterson, among others.
However, should any official agreements be reached, Chiefs won’t be able to register new players until their ban lifts.
Magawana signed for first-division side Uthongathi in 2018 and has clocked 3486 minutes in 58 appearances so far.
The 22-year-old has earned himself a permanent spot in Coach Pitso Dladla’s first-team line-up this season. He bagged a 48th-minute effort in the Cane Cutters’ most recent 2-0 victory against hosts Cape United.