Simba SC attacker Keletso Makgalwa has revealed his reasons for picking his current club over Kaizer Chiefs, saying he needed a fresh start outside of South Africa.
Makgalwa, 29, made the transfer to the Tanzanian giants in July this year following an impressive two seasons with former side Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns winger has so far featured five times for Steve Barker’s side, four times in the league and once in the CAF Champions league preliminary rounds where he also has a goal.
He spoke to iDiski Times journalist Lethabo Kganyago in the latest edition of the newspaper where he also mentioned putting the needs of his family ahead as well.
“I had offers, I think two or three from AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs, and they were good offers,” Makgalwa told iDiski Times.
“But I felt like I needed a new start in another country and to see how it goes. I think I’ve made the right decision to join Simba, and also, it’s for my family, you know, financially, to help my family.”
Makgalwa admitted the decision to snub Amakhosi was not an easy one because he’s always had a dream to don the black and gold.
He further added that conversations with teammates and countrymen Neo Maema and Rushine De Reuck were helpful including Simba’s ambitions as a club.
“It was tough at first making that decision, leaving out Kaizer Chiefs and going to Tanzania,” added Makgalwa.
“But I spoke to Neo, I spoke to Rushine, and asked them how it is that side, and they were honest. Especially Neo was honest and told me about the environment, the pitches, that side, that it’s not one of the best, but you can make the best out of it.
“And yeah, I made the decision to go there, and for me, in South Africa, as we grow up, our dream was to play for either Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns or [Orlando] Pirates. For me, my dream was to play for Kaizer Chiefs, but that didn’t happen. So, I joined Mamelodi Sundowns, and I fell in love with Sundowns; then I forgot about other teams.
“That’s why I chose to go to Simba. It’s one of those reasons, and it’s not bad. That league is not bad; there are some good players, and there’s Champions League football.
“We have the best players like [Anicet] Oura; he used to play for Stellenbosch, and we have [Gueye] Libasse, and we have so many good players in Tanzania.”