Fiston Mayele, the Congolese striker who fired Pyramids FC to their maiden CAF Champions League triumph, has sent a clear message to South Africa’s biggest clubs: he’s out of reach. Both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have shown strong interest in landing the prolific marksman. But the financial realities of his next move have left the Soweto giants trailing in the race for his signature.
Mayele, 30, capped off a sensational season by finishing as the CAF Champions League’s top scorer with nine goals. Including a crucial strike in the final against Mamelodi Sundowns and a brace that knocked Orlando Pirates out in the semi-finals. His clinical finishing and big-game temperament were instrumental as Pyramids FC lifted their first-ever continental title. He also helped the club to a second-place finish in the Egyptian Premier League and a place in the Egypt Cup final.
Both Chiefs and Pirates have made their admiration for Mayele clear. Chiefs have tracked him since his days at Young Africans. Coach Nasreddine Nabi even reached out to the player last December. Meanwhile, Pirates’ representatives have formally made contact. Hoping to lure him to the DStv Premiership after his exploits against them on the continental stage. However, despite these efforts, Mayele’s next move appears destined for more lucrative pastures.
Reports from Egypt indicate that Mayele has already received multiple offers from North African and Middle Eastern clubs. Contract proposals reportedly range between $3 million and $4 million (R55 million to R74 million) per season. These figures go far beyond what Chiefs or Pirates can realistically match. Pyramids FC themselves attempted to keep their star striker with a bumper new deal. But Mayele is set to leave after the Egypt Cup final, seeking a new challenge and a significant pay rise.
Mayele’s outstanding season has made him one of the continent’s hottest properties. With 12 goals in the Champions League (including preliminaries) and a reputation as a game-changer, he has become a symbol of ambition for clubs across Africa. For Chiefs and Pirates, however, the reality is apparent. The CAF Champions League’s most wanted striker is now beyond their reach.