A cash-rich African club is eyeing Fortune Makaringe, whose contract with Orlando Pirates ends in June.
Makaringe has been relegated to the bench since Jose Riveiro took over as head coach of Pirates.
He has seen little action this season, and the club is yet to engage him on a contract extension with just two months before his contract expires.
Azam FC, who own the television station that holds the broadcasts rights for the Tanzania topflight, are reportedly keen on Makaringe.
AZAM FC EYEING MAKARINGE
The club owners also sponsor Tanzania’s version of the FA Cup, the Azam Cup, in the East African country.
The club is reportedly monitoring the former Maritzburg United midfielder to offer him a deal at the end of the season.
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“Azam are keen on the services of Fortune Makaringe. They understand he’s a big player and know bringing him to the club would be massive. Of course, the only stumbling block could be the salary,” a source said.
Makaringe has featured in 11 matches this season, mostly coming off the bench. He has only started three games and has one assist to show for his efforts.
The arrival of Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo saw him fall down the pecking order as Riveiro prefers the former Marumo Gallants midfielder.
The 29-year-old arrived at Pirates after an impressive season at Maritzburg United in 2019.
At the time, Micho Sredojevic was in charge and gave him a lot of game time. ‘Maestro’ became a darling to Pirates fans thanks to his skill and knack for scoring important goals.
In his topflight career, he has played 217 goals and scored 15 while providing 21 assists.
Azam have struggled to convert their chances and are searching for a creative midfielder. They have scored 41 goals in 26 league matches this season.
The Dar es Salaam-based outfit has attempted 269 shots at goal, and only 111 were on target, while 158 were off the mark. Out of the 111 shots on target, only 41 could be converted to become goals.