Christian Saile

Christian Saile
Personal information
Full name Christian Saile Basomboli
Date of birth (1999-11-30) 30 November 1999 (age 25)
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
 Kaizer Chiefs
Number 21
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
Saint-Éloi Lupopo
–2023 Nchanga Rangers
2023– Kaizer Chiefs 43 (6)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 30 June 2024

Christian Saile Basomboli (born 30 November 1999) is a Congolese professional footballer who plays as a forward for South African Premier Division side Kaizer Chiefs.

Career

Having previously played for Saint-Éloi Lupopo in DR Congo,[1] Christian Saile played for Nchanga Rangers in the Zambia National Division One during the 2021–22 season, scoring 19 goals as the club were promoted to the Zambia Super League.[2] Having scored 8 goals in as many games at the start of the 2022–23 season, he joined South African Premier Division side Kaizer Chiefs on trial in December 2022.[3] He signed for Chiefs on a three-and-a-half-year deal the following month,[1] and provided an assist for Ashley Du Preez in his debut for the club after coming on as a substitute in their 2–0 win over Royal AM on 29 January.[4] He scored his first goal on his full debut for the club in a 2–0 Nedbank Cup win over Maritzburg United.[5] He also scored twice in 13 appearances during the 2022–23 South African Premier Division.[6]

Style of play

Saile is a left-footed striker, who is also comfortable playing as a winger, on both the left and right wings.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b Ndebele, Sihle (19 January 2023). "Chiefs sign Congolese striker to boost attack". The Sowetan. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
  2. ^ Ndebele, Sihle (23 January 2023). "Chiefs hope new striker Saile hits ground running". The Sowetan. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
  3. ^ a b World, Sunday (18 December 2022). "Congolese striker on trial at Naturena". Sunday World.
  4. ^ Gibbs, Herman (30 January 2023). "Firebrand Christian Saile is one of several players that fuelled rejuvenated Kaizer Chiefs". Independent Online. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
  5. ^ Hadebe, Sazi (12 February 2023). "Chiefs coach Zwane happy strikers Saile and Du Preez scored in cup win". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
  6. ^ "C. Saile: Summary". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 3 September 2023.