Gordinho can’t wait to rejoin Amakhosi

Lorenzo Gordinho will make his much-anticipated return to Kaizer Chiefs in two-and-a-half weeks‚ and the centreback’s intermediary‚ Mike Makaab‚ says the player is raring for his return to Naturena.

Gordinho, who is on a oneyear loan, asked Bloemfontein Celtic in June if he could return to Amakhosi six months early.

However‚ the player was too much part of then new Celtic coach Steve Komphela’s plans and the Free State team were not budging‚ despite concerted efforts by Makaab and Chiefs to dislodge Gordinho back to Amakhosi.

Now‚ as Chiefs embark on a new journey under a Ernst Middendorp‚ who replaced Giovanni Solinas as head coach on Friday‚ the Soweto giants will be pleased to have Gordinho arriving back in January to bolster an at times shaky central defence.

Makaab confirmed on Wednesday that Gordinho’s loan spell at Celtic ends on December 31.

“Correct – he’s going back to Kaizer Chiefs‚” he said.

Celtic will be the one party not pleased by the defender’s return to Naturena.

The centreback has been an ever-present in their central defence‚ starting all 12 league games‚ plus five cup matches.

Gordinho has also been a key performer in Celtic being unexpectedly in fifth place in the Absa Premiership.

But it is highly unlikely that Celtic – whose owner Max Tshabalala’s financial problems have been well documented‚ as he has unsuccessfully put the club up for sale – will make an offer to buy Gordinho outright.

Makaab confirmed no offer had come so far.

“Nothing as yet. So as it stands he’ll be on his way back to Chiefs‚” he said.

While Gordinho wanted out of Celtic five months ago‚ the 2017-2018 season has gone surprisingly well‚ and the 24year-old will arrive back at Chiefs a far more confident and accomplished centreback.

Under Solinas‚ none of Daniel Cardoso‚ Teenage Hadebe‚ Mario Booysen or Mulomowandau Mathoho were able to establish a consistent central defensive partnership for Amakhosi.

Mobile and intelligent‚ Gordinho is likely to be just the sort of centreback Middendorp will be looking for in that department.