Sowetan

Agay wishes to finish contract at Amakhosi

Kenyan footballer says his future is not in his hands

- By Sihle Ndebele

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Akumu Agay has laid bare his desire to see out his three-and-ahalf-year deal at Naturena amid talks that the club aim to overhaul the playing personnel ahead of the new season.

Akumu, who joined Chiefs from Zambian side Zesco United in January 2020, is reportedly among players Amakhosi are looking to ship out as they are embarking on a rebuilding phase that is set to start when their two-window transfer ban expires next month.

As much as he wishes for a prolonged spell at Chiefs, the 28-year-old Akumu has revealed should the club decide to terminate his contract he would not sulk as he understand­s how football works.

“I’d really like to be here in the new season and beyond. I want to finish my contract here. But if the club decide otherwise, I will just accept it and look back to say I am grateful that I was part of this wonderful club,’’ the Kenyan told Sowetan.

“This is one of the biggest teams in Africa and to be part of it is amazing… it’s one thing that is a privilege, but you I understand how football works.

“So in case of the decision to let me go, I won’t take it badly at all.’’

Since his arrival at Chiefs, Agay has racked up 35 appearance­s and scored twice. Gavin Hunt, who was fired two games before the campaign was wrapped up, argued that Agay was not a midfielder and opted to use him as centreback.

That did not upset the lanky Kenyan and he believes he held his own under Hunt, though he admits the team did not fare as it was expected.

“I am a midfielder, a central midfielder, but I can also play as a central defender, I played there before I came to Chiefs.

“When a coach puts you in a different position to the one you’re used to, it means he’s seen something in you,” said Agay.

“I think I did my best… I helped the team where I was supposed to. I know our overall season didn’t go well because we wanted to finish in the top two but we ended up at number eight, which isn’t that bad because we’ll play in the MTN8.’’

 ?? / SYDNEY MAHLANGU/BACKPAGEPI­X ?? Anthony Agay of Chiefs holds back Kgaogelo Sekgota of now defunct Bidvest Wits in August 2020 action.
/ SYDNEY MAHLANGU/BACKPAGEPI­X Anthony Agay of Chiefs holds back Kgaogelo Sekgota of now defunct Bidvest Wits in August 2020 action.
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from South Africa