Keletso Makgalwa says Kaizer Chiefs were among the clubs to make him an offer before he chose to leave South Africa and join Simba SC in Tanzania.
The attacker moved to Simba in July after spending two successful seasons with Sekhukhune United. He had also attracted interest from AmaZulu, but decided that a move abroad would better suit his ambitions and his family’s financial needs.
“I had offers, I think two or three from AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs, and they were good offers,” Makgalwa told iDiski Times.
“But I felt like I needed a new start in another country and to see how it goes. I think I’ve made the right decision to join Simba, and also, it’s for my family, you know, financially, to help my family.”
The choice carried particular significance because playing for Kaizer Chiefs had been a childhood ambition for the 29-year-old, who previously represented Mamelodi Sundowns.
Makgalwa acknowledged that turning down the South African giants was difficult and said he sought advice from Simba team-mates before finalising the move.
“It was tough at first making that decision, leaving out Kaizer Chiefs and going to Tanzania,” he said.
“But I spoke to Neo, I spoke to Rushine, and asked them how it is that side, and they were honest. Especially Neo was honest and told me about the environment, the pitches, that side, that it’s not one of the best, but you can make the best out of it.”
The conversations helped persuade him that relocating to Tanzania was the right step, despite the importance traditionally attached to playing for one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
“And yeah, I made the decision to go there, and for me, in South Africa, as we grow up, our dream was to play for either Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns or [Orlando] Pirates,” Makgalwa said.
“For me, my dream was to play for Kaizer Chiefs, but that didn’t happen. So, I joined Mamelodi Sundowns, and I fell in love with Sundowns; then I forgot about other teams,” he concluded.
Makgalwa believes the move has since proved worthwhile. Simba have given him a different footballing environment and the chance to compete in the CAF Champions League, while he also considers the Tanzanian league stronger than some might assume.
“That’s why I chose to go to Simba. It’s one of those reasons, and it’s not bad. That league is not bad; there are some good players, and there’s Champions League football,” he said.