Mamelodi Sundowns complicate departure of their player targeted by Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates

Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro has spent four years with Mamelodi Sundowns but has yet to get his chance with the Brazilians’ first team. The club was initially ready to part ways with the forward, who has been shuttling between loan spells, but now they intend to make his exit anything but simple.

Details: According to Soccer Laduma, the 23-year-old Ighodaro has secured permanent residency in South Africa, meaning the Nigerian no longer occupies a foreign player slot and can be registered as a local player.

This administrative twist has significantly boosted Ighodaro’s market value and intensified the race for his signature. Kaizer Chiefs had hoped to sign the forward on a free transfer, but the Amakhosi will now have to pay up. Besides Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Sekhukhune United, and AmaZulu have also expressed interest in the 23-year-old striker.

Reminder: Earlier, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso explained why the club made no signings during the transfer window before the start of the FIFA Club World Cup.