Tanzania’s national team coach, Hemed Suleiman, has heaped praise on Azam FC midfielder Feisal Salum, as momentum builds around a potential move to Kaizer Chiefs.
Salum featured for Tanzania in Friday’s international friendly against South Africa at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. At the post-match press conference, Suleiman was inundated with questions about the 27-year-old star midfielder.
While on a scouting mission on the continent last week, Salum reportedly met Chiefs head coach Nabi Nasreddine and the club’s head of scouting, Thembela ‘Tera’ Maliwa, in Tanzania.
🇿🇦 South Africa ✈️ Netherlands 🇳🇱
We are travelling to the Netherlands for our pre-season tour, and @Vodacom is giving you the opportunity to join us in the land of legends.
Enter the #VodacomTsamaya competition here ➡️ https://t.co/PR9wB444mi#Amakhosi4Life` pic.twitter.com/lyod2Ud1ww
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) June 5, 2025
Nabi, who previously coached Salum at Tanzanian giants Young Africans FC, is credited with transforming him from a defensive into an attacking midfielder. Since moving to Azam FC, Salum has blossomed into a consistent performer, contributing four goals and 12 assists this season.
The appeal of Salum extends beyond Chiefs. Reigning Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns have also expressed interest, underlining the midfielder’s growing reputation in southern Africa.
In Friday’s clash against Bafana Bafana, Salum showcased his quality with a composed 90-minute performance. He achieved a passing accuracy of 86 per cent, made 38 touches, and delivered four long balls—three of which found their target.
Coach Suleiman was emphatic in his praise: “Feisal has qualities like South African players.
“For me, when he comes here, he can play for any team. I think he is the best midfielder in Tanzania at the moment. We need to support him. Given the fact that he is a good player, that gives him an advantage to be able to play anywhere.”
Former Wydad Athletic Club coach Rulani Mokwena echoed the admiration, calling Salum “one of the best on the continent” and praising his off-field character.
“He’s a very good player, one of the best on the continent. For me, Feisal is very special, and I like his personality — not only as a footballer but also as a human being.”
Salum remains under contract with Azam FC until June 2026. The club’s head of media and information, Thabit Zacharia, confirmed no formal offers have yet been received.
“If a team makes an offer that meets our expectations, we will not stand in his way,” he said, while stressing that the club currently has no intention of selling.
Chivaviro Update
Kaizer Chiefs will not be extending striker Ranga Chivaviro’s contract when it expires at the end of the month.
We thank Ranga for his positive contribution to the team and wish him all the best in his future exploits.https://t.co/c2TRgGoKA1#Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/8mUwqgZeYh
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) June 4, 2025
Should Kaizer Chiefs successfully secure Salum’s signature, the deal is expected to be completed ahead of their pre-season training camp in the Netherlands, starting on 3 July.
In related transfer news, veteran left-back Paseka Mako appears set to swap Orlando Pirates for Kaizer Chiefs. Pirates recently confirmed they will not renew Mako’s contract, which expires on 1 July. This opens the door for the 30-year-old to join their Soweto rivals.
Mako has been a fan favourite at Pirates, but the club’s decision suggests a strategic shift. Chiefs have reportedly turned to him as a backup option after failed attempts to land Riaan Hanamub (AmaZulu) and Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch).
If finalised, the move would not only intensify the rivalry between Pirates and Chiefs but also add fuel to the ever-passionate exchanges between the fans of both clubs.
