Yanga struggles to keep hold of star striker Mayele amidst lucrative bids

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FOOTBALL Yanga struggles to keep hold of star striker Mayele amidst lucrative bids

Festus Chuma 20:30 - 12.07.2023

The Tanzanian side faces dilemma as Mayele contemplates a new challenge abroad.

In a twist of fate for Tanzania Premier League champions Yanga, the future of their star striker Fiston Mayele hangs in the balance as the player contemplates lucrative offers from abroad. 

Mayele, who secured the golden boot in the Tanzania Premier League last season and played a vital role in Yanga's impressive run to the CAF Confederation Cup final, is now at a crossroads in his career.

With an impressive tally of 17 goals in the domestic league and 14 goals in various continental competitions, including the CAF Confederation Cup, Mayele has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in African football. 

Yanga have been faced with the difficult task of deciding whether to retain their prized asset or succumb to the irresistible offers on the table.

Among the offers that have sent shockwaves through the Yanga camp, two have emerged as serious contenders. 

According to Tanzanian publication Mwanaspoti, one comes from Egyptian outfit Pyramids, while the other hails from an unnamed club from Saudi Arabia. However, the Yanga bosses have been tight-lipped about the exact details of these offers. 

Nevertheless, sources suggest that Mayele has been presented with a blasphemous offer, including a staggering USD 600,000 (over Sh 84.7 million).

These lucrative offers have put immense pressure on the club's hierarchy, making it increasingly challenging to keep Mayele within their ranks. 

Despite Yanga's desire to retain the services of their star striker, the prospect of earning a monthly salary of $75,000 (over Sh 83 million) and a total income of $900,000 (over Sh 127 million) within a year seems too enticing for the 29-year-old Congolese international to ignore.

"The offers have been many and they continue to pour in, especially after being in the competition for the best player in Africa for local players, so the pressure to leave is great and anything can happen this week," a source within the Yanga camp revealed, as quoted Mwanaspoti.

The continuous influx of offers, particularly following Mayele's nomination for the African Local Player of the Year award, has intensified the pressure for him to leave.

 As negotiations progress rapidly, Yanga's management finds themselves on the brink of making a crucial decision that will shape the future of the club.

Sources within Yanga indicate that the club's bosses will reach a verdict on the offers this week, after engaging in discussions with several interested parties. 

In preparation for Mayele's potential departure, Yanga has already initiated a covert process to identify and secure a replacement striker.

In another development, Yanga's newly appointed head coach, Miguel Gamondi, wasted no time familiarizing himself with the team's players. 

Shortly after arriving in the country, he delved into assessing the squad, reviewing individual player files, and preparing to make vital decisions that will contribute to the team's future success.

Mayele's incredible contribution to Yanga cannot be overlooked, having netted an impressive tally of 33 goals during his two-year stint with the club. 

His goal-scoring exploits extend beyond the domestic league, with notable achievements in the Community Shield, the ASFC Confederation Cup, the Champions League, and the Africa Confederation Cup.

As Yanga awaits a definitive resolution regarding Mayele's future, the club's faithful fans anxiously anticipate the outcome. 

Whether Yanga manages to retain their prized striker or if Mayele embarks on a new chapter in his career, his decision will undoubtedly have a significant impact on both his personal journey and the future of the club.