Chilli Boys go for Chippa off the Klate block
Former Glenville Celtic football prodigy Daine Klate hopes to inspire the next generation of Bay footballers after the midfielder was unveiled at a Chippa United media conference on Wednesday.
He was one of 14 new signings presented at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
Klate, 33, formerly from the Bay, spent almost two decades with big Premier Soccer League clubs.
“I left PE when I was 14, so it’s good to be back after spending a large part of my life in Gauteng,” he said. “I have a lot of family and friends here.
“Hopefully I can make a difference to Chippa United, and add some value on and off the field.”
Klate is in line to make his first appearance for the Chilli Boys when they compete at the 2018 Maize Cup in North West at the weekend.
Asked whether it was a dream of his to end his career at home, the former Bidwest Wits, Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United midfielder said: “I would not say so.
“I didn’t plan five, six years ago to, or say that I wanted to end my career there [at home].
“When the opportunity arose, I considered it and took it with both hands.
“It’s something that is close to my heart because I am from Gelvandale.
“The place is gangster-ridden, so hopefully I can inspire some people and change a few lives,” he said.
Chippa head coach Dan Malesela said: “Hopefully with all his luck in winning the league, [Daine] can bring some of that luck to us.”