Amakhosi net Phumlani Mkhize
Amakhosi net Phumlani Mkhize

Posted in News on Sep 13, 2001.

Kaizer Chiefs secured the services of deadly striker Phumlani Mkhize in a two-year contract much to the delight Amakhosi managing director Kaizer Motaung and coach Muhsin Ertugral.

Mkhize joined the Glamour Boys on Thursday and he will be eligible to play in the near future.

"This is a rare acquisition in the sense that a player crossing from Kaizer Chiefs to Orlando Pirates or vise versa is almost unheard of," said a delighted Chiefs managing director Motaung.

"The last time this occurred was many years ago when William Shongwe was transferred directly from Chiefs to Pirates. We know that Thabang Lebese went to Pirates via Ria Stars. That was not a direct transfer as such.

"When we acquired Nomvete from African Wanderers, Mkhize was also one of our targets but he slipped out of our hands. I would like to wish him well and also thank Pirates particularly Irvin for the manner in which the transaction was made," said Motaung.

"We also look forward to better things ahead of us with Mkhize in our camp."

Coach Ertugral was equally excited with the arrival of Mkhize. "He was always on my shopping list. I remember one day during lunch with Zodwa when I made an inquiry about Mkhize, who was not a regular at that time, and requested Pirates to sell the player to us. From that moment he started featuring regularly," said Ertugral.

"Mkhize is great player and I'm sure he will not have difficulties fitting into the Chiefs set-up. He is good running off the ball and in the box. I must admit that he was always the player I feared each time we played against Pirates," he said.

Ertugral cautioned that the supporters should not expect immediate results from the sensational striker. "Yes, he is a great player but he will need time to settle down, although I am confident he will not have difficulties. Our supporters must be patient with him."

"Finally, I would like to thank management for their support in making this move a reality. We can now focus on bringing the glory days back to Kaizer Chiefs," he said.

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