Chiefs 'unveil' Mathoho
by Joe Maluleke 28 June 2012, 14:18
Well, it was not an unveiling as such, as Kaizer Chiefs are yet to finalise the deal that will see the sought-after defender Mulomowandau Erick Mathoho don the black and gold of Kaizer Chiefs next season.
What was unveiled by Amakhosi, though, was the jersey number 3 that has been assigned to Mathoho, who is expected to join the Naturena club as soon as a deal has been concluded with his club Bloemfontein Celtic.
Chiefs called the football media and a select crowd of their supporters to a function at Thaba Ya Batswana in the south of Joburg to make public their plans for the upcoming season as well as to parade their new acquisitions. Sure enough, they displayed big names like Morgan Gould, Siboniso Gaxa, Siyabonga Nkosi and less illustrious ones like Kgotso Moleko, Sakhile Hlongwa and Brilliant Khuzwayo.
But when the final name was called out, the supporters could be heard grumbling that the list was not complete. At that point, Chiefs marketing director Jessica Motaung stepped up to the podium and said there was one surprise.
The surprise was in the form of a jersey number 3 with the name of Mathoho. There was great cheer from the supporters underlining just how precious this player is to them. Motaung said the deal was not done yet despite the fact that the club had agreed personal terms with the player. What then is the hold up, many would wonder?
Celtic are not about to let go of their most-prized asset on the cheap side as Mamelodi Sundowns are reported to also be in hot pursuit of the player. Not only that, the Chloorkop side is believed to have dangled a massive carrot in front of Celtic, including two players. This offer appears too good to let go for Celtic while Chiefs are banking on the fact that the player has already declared his affection for the Glamour Boys and is not keen for a move to Sundowns.
Unveiling a player, or rather just a jersey as Motaung said, would in lead many to believe that Chiefs are either bold or blind in view of the fact that they have in the past lost players to rival teams despite having unveiled them as theirs.
But Motaung appeared confident and said it was only a matter of time before the player could join.
"It’s work in progress. We have agreed terms with the player but we need to dot a few i’s. Our supporters must know that we are working 24/7 to make that happen,” said Motaung. "It’s been a very interesting scenario. The hunger from the top three teams (to sign Mathoho) but if you look at it, we are the ones who have always been in the forefront and the player is adamant and confident that he wants to be at Kaizer Chiefs."
"This deal is not just about the money, it’s about a lot more. The team continues to make sure that we put our best foot forward to make sure that we come out the winners and that he (Mathoho) dons the Kaizer Chiefs jersey."
Those familiar with the local transfer shenanigans will also recall that Siyabonga Sangweni was reported to be heading to Naturena only to turn up for the black and white of Orlando Pirates.
A few seasons ago, Papi Zothwane was unveiled by Chiefs as their man and history records that he ended up at Chloorkop.
The list of players who were meant join Chiefs and ended up elsewhere is endless. Could the same this be about to happen this time?
Only time will tell.
