Chiefs and Pirates put on alert as red-hot PSL striker is urged to find big club

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has not hidden his desire for attacking reinforcements even after he claimed last week that he is ‘happy’ with his squad.

Da Cruz had initially made it clear that he was keen to add a striker and wingers and after the arrival of two wide players, a striker could still be on his wish list before the transfer window shuts on September 21.

If that is the case, then Amakhosi may have received encouragement after Golden Arrows striker Junior Dion has been urged to secure a move to a bigger club as soon as possible.

Dion is entering the final year of his contract and discussions surrounding his next career move are intensifying, with former PSL forward Brice Aka offering his support.

Ivorian forward in hot form for Arrows

Dion has been a consistent goalscorer for Arrows, shouldering the team’s attacking responsibilities. After an impressive debut season where he netted 15 goals, he has already added another four this term, bringing his total to 19.

His prolific form has not gone unnoticed, and transfer speculation has been mounting despite Arrows previously turning down offers from international clubs.

Speaking to KickOff from Europe, fellow Ivorian Brice Aka, who also played as a striker in the PSL for Maritzburg United, weighed in on Dion’s situation. “Dion is at his peak now and enjoying his football, so he needs to make it the most rewarding phase of his career,” Aka stated.

Drawing from his own experiences, Aka understands the desire for a high-profile transfer. “I’m sure he is dreaming of a big team now,” he said.

Hope for Chiefs as striker is urged to move

“Football is a short career, and he needs to make financial decisions. For now, he belongs to Arrows and so needs no drama and sour grapes. I’m glad he respects his contract and is doing the job for Arrows.”

Aka emphasised the importance of a strategic move for his compatriot. “I obviously want to see him at a bigger team as a fellow countryman because he has a family to look after. He needs to make the best choice financially now.”

Reflecting on his own career, Aka shared, “I was once there and tried a move to Europe and even came to Auxerre for a couple of weeks, but it didn’t work out. For Dion, it is right for him to move, but it must be smooth, and he must respect the employer.”

Pirates legend makes Dion plea to Buccaneers

He concluded with a sense of urgency, noting the forward’s age. “We all agree that he must go to a bigger club now after Arrows. The age factor must be considered as well because he will be called a veteran soon and no favourable contracts will come,” he stated regarding the situation of the 31-year-old.

Aka’s sentiments come days after Orlando Pirates legend Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi pleaded with the Buccaneers to sign Dion.

“He can fit into any big team,” Vilakazi told iDiski TV. “One thing about him is that he is 31 years old, he has experience, he knows what he needs to do, and he understands his role.”

“He would be a perfect striker, and I hope Pirates sign him because when you look at him, he has qualities that Pirates currently lack. For me, there’s no doubt, Pirates should sign him. We need a striker like Dion,” he further stated.