Benni McCarthy has given the reasons why he was keen to add Kaizer Chiefs duo Kgotso Moleko and Philani Zulu as well as Pule Ekstein to his squad.
McCarthy confirmed the arrivals of Moleko and Ekstein in a press conference on Thursday, even though the club are yet to unveil both signings.
He said that both players were on his list due to their big-club mentality.
“Kgotso Moleko and Pule were players that I had on my list before the end of the season, together with Philani Zulu,” he told reporters.
“And obviously with the signings that Chiefs were making, we kinda anticipated that some of the players will be let go and we might do enquiries about them.
“When the news broke that they were let go for free, why not? We jumped because they are players that I like very much. I like the mentality that they have, I like the mindset.
“Also they come from a team that’s a big team, so they come with a different mentality, a different mindset. So they can add a hell of a lot to our squad and that’s why I was interested in getting them and I’m really grateful to the club for listening to my wishes.”
McCarthy also explained that Ekstein will give his side “another dimension” following his time in Europe.
“Pule Ekstein I’ve been in contact with for over a year. He kept in touch, he kept base while he was still playing in Azerbaijan, and I always said he’s a player that I’d also love to work with one day,” he added.
“The opportunity arises and I told the president that this is a player that can give us a different dimension to the way we play. He brings flair, quality and he’s been for two-three seasons in Europe.
“I know people say Azerbaijan but it is Europe and their level is higher than what we have, so he comes with that experience into my team and he will just lift the team up.”
Moleko and Ekstein add onto the signings of Keagan Buchanan, Mxolisi Kunene, Tercious Malepe, Philani Zulu, Matarr Ceesay and MDC Diski Challenge players Tshepang Moremi and Lindani Shange.
Story by David Kappel (@kappilinho).
