Azam FC has opened negotiations with Sudanese club Al Hilal to secure the signature of Congolese right-back Steven Ebuela, who has been in the country for about a week now.
Azam has started early preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 Tanzanian Premier League season, having already unveiled some of its new players, including goalkeeper Aishi Manula, Muhsin Malima, Lameck Lawi, and head coach Florent Ibenge.
The club is now in talks with Al Hilal to purchase right-back Ebuela. The defender is still under contract with the Sudanese champions until June 30, 2027, having joined them in 2023 from AS Maniema of his native Congo.
The response given to Azam officials after initial discussions was that to release the defender, Al Hilal would require a payment exceeding Tsh 300 million.
"He is Coach Ibenge’s preferred choice; he recommended adding that defender, whom he has worked with before. Talks are still ongoing because the player remains under contract with Al Hilal," a source revealed.
If Ebuela signs for Azam, he will compete for the right-back position currently held by the team's captain, Lusajo Mwaikenda, who has had an excellent season, scoring six goals in the Premier League.
While at Al Hilal, Ebuela played every minute of their CAF Champions League matches, starting in the group stage against Yanga and totaling 720 minutes across eight matches.
