Kaizer Chiefs have put a staggering price tag on one of their superstar player’s heads. Will he be sold to fund a rebuild?
KAIZER CHIEFS WANT BIG MONEY FOR CASTILLO
According to local outlet Soccer Laduma, Chiefs were open to an offer from Egyptian giants Zamalek, provided they met Amakhosi’s evaluation of the player. That number stood at R40 million, a shade under €2 million.
“Now that the inquiry has reached the management stage, they have come up with the price that will fit Castillo if he is to leave before his contract expires. He is a quality player and for him to attract interest from outside means they have seen something and that’s why the board and management think the right price is around R40 million,” the publication said.
Venezuela man has an international pedigree
Venezuela played two friendlies in the USA in the most recent international break. La Vinotinto is now ranked 52nd in the world according to FIFA, down from 50th. Amakhosi’s creative midfield schemer was a 78th-minute substitute against European champions Italy, in a match the Azzurri won 2-1. Arsenal midfielder Jorginho came off the bench to supply the winning goal for Genoa striker Mateo Retegui. Venezuela then faced Guatemala in a 0-0 stalemate. Castillo has certainly brushed shoulders with some serious players lately.
Is more youth needed?
The Kaizer Chiefs midfield needs a new lick of paint. Sibongiseni Mthethwa turns 30 in September, Yusuf Maart turns 29 this year, Siyethemba Sithebe is 31 and Castillo will be 30 next month. Perhaps a huge offer for Castillo would be too good to refuse and it could be reinvested in some fresh recruits. Whether or not Zamalek cough up the cash is another matter.
NABI SEEMS LIKE THE SMARTEST TACTICAL CHOICE
Meanwhile, Tunisian tactician Nasreddine Nabi was close to making the Naturena switch at the start of the season but his conditions and demands scuppered a deal. However, the Amakhosi board have since relaxed some of the criteria involved. Critically, they’ll allow Nabi to bring his technical staff, if he signs on the dotted line. Could he be the leading candidate? It’s the saga dominating this week’s column inches.
Nabi steered his old side Yanga SC, astonishingly, to back-to-back trebles. The 58-year-old is no stranger to success. He’s in pole position to claim another league title this term, with Botola Pro 1 side FAR Rabat in Morocco. His team currently leads the way with 61 points after 25 rounds, four points ahead of nearest challenger Raja Casablanca. With just five league encounters left, Nabi is odds-on to claim another domestic crown.
CLICK TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY FOOTBALL FANATIC JAMES FREEMANTLE.
Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates.