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Exclusive: DStv Premiership Clubs Linked with Zimbabwe International and JDR Stars’ Ishmael Wadi

Zimbabwe international Ishmael Wadi, currently with JDR Stars, attracts interest from top DStv Premiership clubs like Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu. Despite past transfer setbacks, Wadi remains hopeful for a move to South Africa's top-flight league.

Clifton Mabasa

Last Updated: 2024-07-03

Fact checked by:

Louis Hobbs

Lead Journalist

6 minutes read

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Zimbabwe international and JDR Stars forward Ishmael Wadi was on the radars of Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu long before after successful stints with the Hammer Boys.

Interest from Top South African Clubs

Wadi was hot property when it emerged, he'd be leaving JDR Stars two seasons back, and a raft of South African top-flight teams were linked with his signature.

The right-winger joined the Tshwane giants from CAPS United of Zimbabwe in 2021 and in his maiden season in the First National Division, the attacker scored nine goals.

After just a season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Wadi was considering his options outside JDR Stars when the prospect of DStv Premiership interest first came calling.

SportsBoom.com has it on good authority that KwaZulu-Natal outfit, AmaZulu had shown interest in him, and he was supposed to join the club until the deal collapsed.

Prospects in the DStv Premiership

The talented Wadi has expressed his feelings after he failed to move to one of the DStv Premiership sides.

"I had a chance to play in the top league because there were options and the interest I was aware of was from AmaZulu Stellenbosch and also being linked with Chiefs," Wadi told SportsBoom.com.

"As I once told you, my chairman was negotiating with some of these teams, and it didn't go through as they couldn't agree on terms. So, he handled the matter the way he thought it could benefit all parties, so in the end, I decided to stay at JDR Stars.

"I was looking forward to moving and going to play in big teams, but after the deals did not materialize, I didn't take it personally," he added.

It is everyone's dream to play for the big teams, but I believe when the time is right, I will get a chance. So, I keep working hard, praying and the chance will come.

Ishmael Wadi

The Club’s Perspective on Transfer Talks

In another exclusive interview, JDR Stars coach and chairman Nnditsheni Nemasisi once opened on why Wadi couldn't leave the club at the time.

Teams like AmaZulu, Amakhosi, and Sekhukhune were understood to have shown interest in him, but he ended up eventually staying with the lower division team.

"Honestly, we didn't receive any offers, I know talks are there but there were no offers that we received and rejected," Nemasisi said.

"He is still our player, so there is no need for us to force if it's not coming, it's not coming. I am sure if a good offer came, we would let him go. So, nothing came and for that reason, he is still ours."

Wadi’s Future and Current Developments

The 31-year-old who also plays as a striker, confirmed that there was an interest from DStv Premiership teams, but everything will be handled by Nemasisi.

"Yes, there are interests from DStv Premiership teams and the chairman is dealing with that, I can't say much," Wadi revealed.

"I will hear from him when things are done, it's highly possible that I play for one of the PSL teams next season, it's promising."

"Last season it was a disappointing campaign for me and the team in terms of winning because we were supposed to be promoted. We always finish in position four or five."

However, this publication understands that the newly promoted DStv Premiership side, Magesi FC have made contact with JDR Stars' management as they try to bring Wadi on board.

It remains to be seen whether the deal will eventually materialize or not ahead of the upcoming season.

Clifton MabasaClifton Mabasa

A passionate football fan with a dream of playing for Kaizer Chiefs, he found his true calling in sports journalism during his university studies in 2018.