Former Orlando Pirates defender Bongani Sam’s signing by Kaizer Chiefs was due to his PSL experience, according to Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr.
There was an uproar from a certain section of the Chiefs fanbase who questioned Sam’s signing on a three-year deal having struggled for regular game time under Jose Riveiro. He last started and played the full 90 minutes on loan during Moroka Swallows’ 2-1 league defeat to SuperSport United in December 2023.
Before his departure from Mayfair, the 26-year-old dropped down the pecking order behind the likes of Kabelo Dlamini, Deon Hotto and Innocent Maela on the left flank. In fact, last season, Sam only featured 15 times for Swallows across all competitions providing two assists.
Motaung Jr expressed excitement at having the Gqeberha-born left-back at the club ahead of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership, though Sam is currently sidelined due to an injury.
“We are really excited to have Bongani Sam in our fold,” the 42-year-old administrator told the club’s website.
“Given his age, which is 26, he has amassed quite a bit of experience having played for several teams in the Premiership since he started his top-flight career seven years ago.
“We do wish him well and we know he will fit in as part of the Kaizer Chiefs Family.”
Sam is expected to fight it out at left-back with the likes of new signing Rushwin Dortley, 19-year-old Nkosana Mbuthu, and Edmilson Dove who is currently nursing an injury as well.
