KAIZER Chiefs have stepped up and are eager to take a look at Thabo Kekana after the Phefeni Glamour Boys learnt about the plight of the 21-year-old in Sowetan

Kekana was keen to join Mamelodi Sundowns but his move to the Chloorkop side was scuppered by allegations of bribery, according to his mother Shilla.

She alleged that a Sundowns talent scout tried to solicit a bribe from her in return for her son joining the club's development team.

She alleged that Themba Ngwenya, one of the scouts at Sundowns' academy, tried in vain to get money from her with promises that this would open doors for her son in joining their development team.

Ngwenya has denied the allegations and has threatened to sue Kekana if she failed to prove her claims.

Now Amakhosi Under-19 coach Ntsie Maphike said yesterday he was keen to have a look at Thabo.

"We are inviting him, and if he impresses us we will sign him freely," Maphike said.

When told that Thabo was 21 years old and did not qualify for their development team, Maphike said the player would be considered for their reserve team.

"We will assess him in an open session and we will not turn him back because of his age. I want to emphasise that we will not hesitate to sign him if he impresses us."

Shilla confirmed yesterday that he got a call from Chiefs, inviting her son for trials.

But his mother believes the Kempton Park Strikers attacking midfielder will be happy to move to Naturena "because he also loves Chiefs".

Thabo could not be reached for comment.