The Glamour Boys have withdrawn their offer for the Angolan player
Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Angolan star Anderson Cruz who is one of incoming coach Nasreddine Nabi’s key targets.
Cruz, who can play as a left-back, winger or wingback, has been on Chiefs radar and was seen as the candidate to replace S’fiso Hlanti, who was released by the club last month, but it appears that will not be the case.
According to FARPost, the bone of contention is the player’s financial demands as he is seeking a bigger offer than what Chiefs are prepared to pay.
The 28-year-old is highly experienced having played in Spain, France, Bolivar and Portugal. He also recently turned out for Angolan giants Petro de Luanda.
Chiefs will not want to annoy Nabi by failing to secure his targets
Failing to deliver Nabi’s targets could prove problematic for Chiefs and their new coach who intends to build a strong squad that can challenge on multiple fronts.
Amakhosi’s relief, however, is that Cameroonian Jonathan Ngwem is among the other players recommended by Nabi in the position.
Chiefs will now turn their attention to other options with Ngwem, who plays for Egyptian club Future FC, and Bongani Sam among those in their sights.
Sam, 26, appears to be the most viable option given his age with 32-year-old Ngwem not exciting the powers that be at Naturena as he does not offer assurances for the future.
Orlando Pirates have ‘allowed’ Sam to speak to Kaizer Chiefs
As per SABC, Orlando Pirates have given Sam the go ahead to speak to their Soweto rivals after enduring a difficult last few months.
Sam had been on loan at Swallows FC but the financial challenges at the club pushed him out, leaving him unable to play for six months, but Chiefs are set to offer him an escape route.
It is believed the deal is close to being finalised as Chiefs want him to join the team before they depart for pre-season training in Turkey on Thursday.
