Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe has revealed how he almost joined arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
At the time, Makaringe had been with Maritzburg United [now Durban City] for four seasons and was one of their key players.
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He revealed that Amakhosi approached him before Pirates, with their then-coach Ernst Middendorp—who had previously coached him at Maritzburg—pushing to sign him.
He revealed that he held discussions with the coach and also spoke with the club’s Football Manager Bobby Motaung and was ready to sign for the Phefeni Glamour Boys.
Before long, the Sea Robbers joined the chase and emerged victorious, signing him ahead of the 2019/20 season.
“That [move to Chiefs] one was 99% [done]. The first team that actually came was Kaizer Chiefs,” said Makaringe during the interview with Mike Morton Talks Football.
“So, we were in talks with the coach, it was coach Middendorp at the time, coach Shaun Bartlett was also there.
“Middendorp was actually the reason why I had a lifeline at Maritzburg at the time and we had that relationship.
“I was like okay; he wants me at Chiefs; I’m definitely going there. Coach Shaun Bartlett coached me at Nike camp.
“Bobby called to make sure that everything is [sorted]. But I was still contracted with Maritzburg, I couldn’t do a deal on my own, so it was a club-to-club.
“I don’t know whether there was any discussion between Maritzburg and Chiefs.”
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