JOHANNESBURG - Masilela has been the subject of speculation on  a move since  recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained during Bafana Bafana’s game against Ethiopia in June.

Chiefs are looking to capture his signature following failure by the player to get a move abroad after Spanish side Getafe  did not put in an offer for Masilela despite him being with them on a season-long loan deal from  Israeli side Maccabi Haifa.

Getafe were to buy him outright if they were interested in him after his loan spell. Clearly, they were not.

On Tuesday, Masilela’s agent Mike Makaab and Haifa agreed that the player can now be sold to a local club as no European side has made an offer for him.

Chiefs football general manager Bobby Motaung confirmed that his club will start engaging with the 28-year-old on a possible future with the Naturena club.

“Maccabi Haifa has given us the go-ahead in terms of starting talks with the player,” Motaung said.

“We have not made major strides in that regard, but talks are ongoing and we will release a statement soon regarding the player.”

Amakhosi have been the only local team  linked with Masilela since his recovery from the injury  against Ethiopia in Rustenburg.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ tendency to negotiate with any available player on the market cannot be taken lightly as they could still make a bid for Masilela. 

Chiefs have not had a solid left-back  since the departure of Onismor Bhasera three seasons ago. 

Jimmy Jambo and Keegan Ritchie are the two players presently  fighting for the position, but neither has made it his own.

The arrival of Masilela, with 33 caps for Bafana Bafana, could bring some stability and will make him the fourth Bafana defender to join the Phefeni Glamour Boys.