This archive report was first published on 8 January 2020.
January 8, 2020, marked a significant day in the transfer market as Kenyan midfielder Anthony Akumu, 27, travelled to South Africa to finalize his move to Kaizer Chiefs.
With his contract renewal offer at Zesco United rejected, Akumu is seeking greener pastures in the South African top-tier, where he has attracted interest from Tanzanian giant Simba SC and TP Mazembe.
However, Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp remains tight-lipped about the potential signing, citing the need for everything to be finalized before making any official statements.
Chiefs' interest in Akumu comes on the heels of their 2-1 loss to SuperSport United in their first fixture of the year, which has put pressure on the team to strengthen their defensive midfield.
Coach Middendorp drew parallels with the recent signing of Baroka midfielder Mduduzi Mdantsane by Cape Town City, who was later claimed to be a Baroka player with a valid two-year contract.
"You saw this player who went to Cape Town City, everyone was jubilating – ‘He’s a free player…’ but, he’s not. He has another two-year contract [with Baroka], so it will be very interesting to see how (Akumu signing) pans out," Ernst told Kick Off.
