Despite previous statements indicating Stephane Aziz Ki's commitment to Yanga SC, news reaching the Siya crew is that Kaizer Chiefs have reignited their interest in the star player.
Siya sources have indicated how Amakhosi head coach Nasreddine Nabi has coached the player in Tanzania before and supports the potential acquisition of the Burkina Faso international.
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As reported by Soccer Laduma before, Aziz Ki has been a target for several top South African teams, including Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Orlando Pirates. Even Rulani Mokwena's Wydad Casabalanca have recently been linked to the player.However, sources have added that it is now Chiefs who are making an effort to secure his services, influenced by coach Nabi's confidence in the player.
"Coach Nabi had told management that he wants some experienced players mainly in the attacking areas. The first choice for him at the moment is Aziz Ki. He knows him and he believes in him. You know Chiefs also have inquired about the player before he had renewed his contract with Young Africans. Now that the coach has expressed the desire to have him on board it's all up to the Sporting Director and the board to do all in their power to bring him in. They haven't given up on him," the Siya source stated.
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The pursuit of Aziz Ki is part of a broader strategy by Chiefs to enhance their squad selectively without undergoing a complete overhaul, according to a second insider.
"The coach has asked for experience in key areas of the team. One is a goalkeeper which they have already signed. One is a left back that they are still looking at. One is a midfielder and one a striker. That's why they are looking at Fiston Mayele and Aziz Ki. But as of now, their first priority is Aziz Ki though they know it won't be a cheap move as he has just signed a new two-year deal with Yanga. But they have promised the coach that they will work with him with what he wants," the second source stated.
Aziz Ki recently demonstrated his prowess by scoring two goals against Chiefs in a 4-0 win during the Toyota Cup in Bloemfontein, further solidifying his appeal to the Chiefs technical team.
Soccer Laduma reached out to Chiefs for comment on these developments, but there was no response at the time of publishing.
As the transfer window progresses, the situation surrounding Aziz Ki will be closely monitored, with Chiefs hopeful of securing a deal that could significantly enhance their attacking options from midfield for the upcoming season but the Yanga star is wanted by many teams and it remains to be seen where he will ultimately play.
