Chiefs man happy with Chilli Boys
FORMER Kaizer Chiefs defender Simphiwe Mtsweni says he has new lease on life after signing with Port Elizabeth side Chippa United.
Mtsweni joined the Glamour Boys in 2013 from Stars of Africa Football Academy.
But he became surplus to requirements and was one of 20 players released by Steve Komphela in May.
Mtsweni, 22, struggled to get game time at Naturena but is sure, now that he has joined the Premier Soccer League side, that that will be a thing of the past.
The left back has signed a threeyear deal with the Chilli Boys.
“I am at peace now that I have joined Chippa. My soul has been set free and I am very happy,” he said.
“I know I am not that far from playing soccer and to showcase what I am really made of. What can I do and what can I offer?
“Now I know what I am working towards – not that I wasn’t happy at Chiefs. I was. But I was under a lot of strain.
“I was competing with the best and chances of my playing were slim.
“There were three players I was competing with.
“As a youngster, competing with Tsepho Masilela is not easy.”
Mtsweni is aware that it will not be smooth sailing at the Chippa camp either, as he will be up against players like former Bafana Bafana man Marc van Heerden. But this time around he is ready to compete.
“Marc is a very good player. He has been around this game [a long time].”
Mtsweni said seeing his name on the list of players being released by Chiefs was painful, but he knew it was for the best.
“I think it was time for me to just go. [Chiefs] were buying players while I was there,” he said.
“So, my manager and I decided it was best for me to try my luck elsewhere, . . . where I will be given a chance to play and will be able to grow as Simphiwe,” he said. Chippa United are concluding their pre-season camp in Johannesburg and return to the Bay tomorrow.
Their first league fixture is against Free State Stars at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on August 23 (kickoff 7.30pm).
I am at peace now that I have joined Chippa