Dino’s thrilled to say howzit my China

Striker ignores criticism of Hangzhou switch

SA striker Dino Ndlovu has described his new contract with Chinese side Hangzhou Greentown as the best of his life.

Hangzhou, who campaign in the second tier, have paid Azerbaijan outfit Qarabag ß1-million (around R15-million) for Ndlovu, who signed a two-year deal.

“Yes, it’s a two-year deal and yes, it’s the best deal of my life,” said Ndlovu, who’s in SA and leaves for China this afternoon.

The 27-year-old has noted comments that he has no business joining a second division club in China, but the Bafana Bafana striker insisted that this deal is in his best interests. “This move means the world to me. I had to decide whether to stay in Europe or move to Asia. It’s a decision that took me a month but at the end of the day the contract they have offered me at the age of 27, turning 28 [next month], is a contract that I believe even in Europe I won’t get. “I’m actually happy that God has been there for me in the good and bad times of my career. My family has also been really amazing,” Ndlovu said.

He leaves Qarabag having scored 24 goals in his 18 months with the club, including one that secured Qarabag’s spot in the group stages of the Uefa Champions League last year. It was the first time a side from Azerbaijan reached this stage. Ndlovu is looking forward to flying the SA flag high in Asia. “Most of the time wherever I have been I’ve been the first South African and I have helped the market of SA and I’m going to do the same in this regard when I get to China and I’m excited about it,” he added. Besides Azerbaijan, he has also played in Israel and Cyprus.