Kaizer Chiefs striker Etiosa Ighodaro could leave the club in the January transfer window after failing to make a strong impression since joining the Naturena-based side.
The 25-year-old Nigerian has featured in seven matches for Amakhosi but has yet to establish himself as a significant attacking threat. His limited impact has increased scrutiny over his future as Chiefs assess their options in attack.
Ighodaro was given the chance to lead the line while Flavio Silva dealt with injury problems. However, he has been unable to provide the goals the club need, leaving head coach Fernando Da Cruz increasingly reliant on his wingers.
Silva and Khanyisa Mayo have both spent periods on the sidelines, reducing Da Cruz’s attacking options. The Chiefs manager has now acknowledged that Ighodaro is still adjusting to the team’s approach.
“Mayo is not far; he’s a quality player, but for this game he was not physically ready to play this type of game. He must walk into the game, and with Ighodaro, he needs to understand the game model, so we’ll work with him,” Da Cruz told the media.
Ighodaro has not played for Chiefs since September, a spell that has prompted further questions about whether he has an immediate future at the club.
Mayo is nearing a return to full fitness, while Silva is gradually regaining his form. Their availability could leave Ighodaro with fewer opportunities in the coming weeks.
The striker’s position could become even more difficult if Elias Mokwana completes a reported move to Naturena. His arrival, combined with the anticipated return of Chiefs’ injured attacking players, would push Ighodaro further down the pecking order.
The January transfer window may therefore give Amakhosi the opportunity to move on from the Nigerian as they seek to strengthen their attacking department.
