Chikila into Eagles nest

E C BEES’ striker prolific striker Bongani Chikila will be campaigning in the National First Division come next season after he signed a twoyear agreement with Royal Eagles.

Chikila scored the Bees’ only goal against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup last 16 teams stage this season, where they went down 2-1 to former the African champions at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in March.

Chikila said after that game many teams have been in contact with him, but he eventually sealed the two-year deal with the Durban-based National First Division last week, although Eagles’ coach Roger Sikhakhane had been scouting him for a while.

“Coach Roger [Sikhakhane] had showed interest in me even when he was coaching Chippa United, but nothing ever happened.

“Because I know he was looking for my services even last year January, and he knows me from way back.

“So I’m excited that he finally got the chance to take me and I’m happy with the two years I will be spending at Eagles. It’s a stepping stone for me to go PSL,” said Chikila.

He said he was also humbled by the Bees’ camp’s response to his move to the second-tier league. Chikila was rejected by relegated Mthatha Bucks after he went on a two-week trial at Amathol’amnyama.

“The Bees think I deserve this move and they have been supporting me throughout, so I’m humbled by their positive energy towards my move and I wouldn’t have done it without them – even though I was in the coach’s [Chippa Njedu] plans for next season.

“And God works in mysterious ways, because I was on the brink of quitting football when the season began after I was rejected by [Mthatha] Bucks, but then everyone encouraged me.”

Njedu said having his players afforded opportunities to play professionally has been his hope for this season.

“It’s what we’ve been hoping for our players.”

Chikila will report for duty at Eagles on June 29.