Kaizer Chiefs’ head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, has addressed swirling transfer talk linking Percy Tau and Fiston Mayele to the Soweto giants.
In recent weeks, speculation has been rife about potential moves for both players to Naturena. Tau, currently with Al Ahly, and Mayele, who plies his trade at Pyramids FC, have been linked with the Soweto giants, fuelling excitement among fans eager for high-profile signings.
However, Nabi has poured cold water on talk surrounding the duo, stating unequivocally that there are no ongoing negotiations for either player.
The Tunisian mentor emphasised the club’s commitment to ethical conduct and respect for existing contracts.
Tau is contracted to Al Ahly until June 2025. Mayele, who scored 17 goals and provided four assists in 27 starts, is contracted until June 2026.
WHAT NASREDDINE NABI SAID ABOUT FISTON MAYELE AND PERCY TAU
Regarding the Bafana vice-captain, Tau, he emphasised that if an opportunity to sign him arises, Chiefs would strictly adhere to the proper channels and procedures outlined by FIFA.
“There are no negotiations with Percy Tau because I believe he still has one year left on his contract,” Nabi told OnTime Sports. “Kaizer Chiefs respects the FIFA rules. If ever there’s an opportunity to sign him, it will be through official channels. We respect Al Ahly, they are a great team.”
His Cairo stint has seen him represent Al Ahly on 109 occasions, contributing 27 goals and 13 assists despite facing recurring injury challenges.
In the previous season, he featured in 33 matches, netting nine goals and playing a crucial role in the club’s triumphs, including the CAF Champions League, Egyptian Premier League title, Egypt Super Cup, and a bronze medal in the Club World Cup.
Nabi also addressed the speculation surrounding Mayele, with whom he shares a close bond from their time together at Young Africans.
“It’s the same situation with Fiston Mayele. He’s like family to me; we worked well together [at Young Africans]. But he has a contract with Pyramids, and he’s not available. We respect that and have not engaged in any negotiations.”
Last week, Mayele’s agent, Yasmin Mudele, highlighted the coach’s personal connection to the Congolese forwarded but reiterated that Pyramids were not selling the player.
During his two seasons playing under the guidance of the Tunisian coach at Yanga SC, Mayele netted an impressive 54 goals.
Even though they went their separate ways from the reigning Tanzanian champions a year ago, the two have kept a warm relationship and remain in contact.
“We have Nabi there [at Kaizer Chiefs], who’s our favourite coach. However, the situation is that the player has a contract, and Pyramids are not willing to release him,” Mudele told FARPost.
“As much as Mayele would love to play for Nabi, Nabi is one of our favourite coaches; we love him. He’s a nice person [but it’s impossible]… They worked really well together. But the reality is that he’s under contract…”
Nabi’s latest signing at Amakhosi is Angola international Miguel Inacio, who joined the club from Petro de Luanda. He joins the likes of Gaston Sirino, Bongani Sam, Fiacre Ntwari and Rushwin Dortley.
Indications are that the club is still in search for reinforcements ahead of the new season that kicks off on 14 September against Marumo Gallants in Bloemfontein.
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