Talent finds new home at Naturena

Baroka star said to have agreed deal with Chiefs

Zimbabwean star Talent Chawapiwa has signed with Kaizer Chiefs, Sowetan has reliably learnt.

The 26-year-old appears to have finally secured his dream transfer to Naturena from Baroka after months of speculation. Earlier in the season in an interview with this publication, Chawapiwa confirmed that his wish was to join Amakhosi. Now that wish has been fulfilled.

A source with insight on the deal said: “Talent has joined Chiefs and will be announced in the coming days or next week. It’s a done deal. The player wanted to move to [Kaizer] Chiefs and it was tough to convince him of any other club.”

The former Platinum FC attacker is still in Zimbabwe on holiday and is expected to return to South Africa next week.

Baroka, meanwhile, are expected to hold a media briefing today where they are expected to formally announce their new Zambian coach Wedson Nyirenda and a number of other personnel changes.

When contacted, club owner Khurishi Mphahlele was coy and refused to comment on the Chawapiwa switch before the media briefing.

Chiefs finally confirmed squad changes yesterday, but it was only those players leaving who were announced.

The club has parted ways with Tsepo Masilela, Sibusiso Khumalo, William Twala, Keanan Buchanan and Edmore Chirambadare.

“We are terminating the contracts of Twala, Buchanan, Chirambadare and Khumalo,” Motaung said.

“These players are immensely talented, but couldn’t find their form with us. We do not want to keep a good player inactive; that’s why we will allow them to express their talents elsewhere.

“We are working around the clock to find the right coach and players to sign.

“We are left with about two weeks before the start of preseason training and will try to finalise most of these movements before that.”

Tsepo Masilela (33)

The left back joined Chiefs from Israeli side Maccabi Haifa six years ago. Masilela used to be a regular, but injuries have taken their toll on him, which led to a mere six appearances in the 2017/18 season. With his contract expiring this month, Chiefs have decided the time is right to let him go. In six seasons, he played 146 matches at an average of 24 per season. When Chiefs won the league three years ago, he missed just two league games.

Sibusiso Khumalo (28) Keagan Buchanan (26) Edmore Chirambadare (26)