Top goalscorer in the ABC Motsepe League last season Bongani Chikila has left the EC Bees and is now on trial at Mthatha Bucks playing in National First Division.
The prolific striker said his decision to leave the Crazy Gang was not influenced by money but “the need to grow as player”.
“There were many top-flight football clubs that offered me contracts but I decided to try my luck with Amathol’amnyama,” he said.
“Orlando Pirates, Chippa United and others wanted me to play for them, including Bucks, who have been in contact with me since last December.
“The other big clubs did not follow up on our talks; the only club that got back to me formally was Pirates, but I decided not to take up their offer because of some demands which I can’t mention.”
The former Jomo Cosmos man said he took a collective decision with his agent to take up the trials at the Bucks.
“Last week we decided I should come here and participate in the trials and so far I am happy with the reception I got from both the players’ side and management ... hopefully everything will turn out fine.”
Chikila had a superb season, rattling the 25 times on his way to winning the goalscorer’s award after leading the Crazy Gang to 23 victories on their way to being crowned the league’s champions provincially.
“The coach at Bucks was in communication with me on a regular basis so I would say he was also influenced by the decision because he was so eager to have me in his team.
“At Bees things are still the same as they were before I left and the management was understanding and supporting. They have my best interests at heart so they didn’t want to hold me back.”
He said he always had a target when he played and now he wants to solidify his position in the club.
“I want to score more goals in the NFD and to make an impact in the NFD.”
Amathol’amnyama team manager Luxulo Matikinca could not give further details on the players the club is intending to sign in an effort to beef up their squad for the upcoming season.
“Nothing is final as yet with any player who is on trial at the club and therefore I can not comment on this matter,” he said.
“We are going to Durban to play against Celtic, Kings, Uthongathi and Chippa.
“Then when we return on Monday, we will be able to provide all the names of the new players in the club.”
Chikila makes a beeline for Bucks
The prolific striker said his decision to leave the Crazy Gang was not influenced by money but “the need to grow as player”.
“There were many top-flight football clubs that offered me contracts but I decided to try my luck with Amathol’amnyama,” he said.
“Orlando Pirates, Chippa United and others wanted me to play for them, including Bucks, who have been in contact with me since last December.
“The other big clubs did not follow up on our talks; the only club that got back to me formally was Pirates, but I decided not to take up their offer because of some demands which I can’t mention.”
The former Jomo Cosmos man said he took a collective decision with his agent to take up the trials at the Bucks.
“Last week we decided I should come here and participate in the trials and so far I am happy with the reception I got from both the players’ side and management ... hopefully everything will turn out fine.”
Chikila had a superb season, rattling the 25 times on his way to winning the goalscorer’s award after leading the Crazy Gang to 23 victories on their way to being crowned the league’s champions provincially.
“The coach at Bucks was in communication with me on a regular basis so I would say he was also influenced by the decision because he was so eager to have me in his team.
“At Bees things are still the same as they were before I left and the management was understanding and supporting. They have my best interests at heart so they didn’t want to hold me back.”
He said he always had a target when he played and now he wants to solidify his position in the club.
“I want to score more goals in the NFD and to make an impact in the NFD.”
Amathol’amnyama team manager Luxulo Matikinca could not give further details on the players the club is intending to sign in an effort to beef up their squad for the upcoming season.
“Nothing is final as yet with any player who is on trial at the club and therefore I can not comment on this matter,” he said.
“We are going to Durban to play against Celtic, Kings, Uthongathi and Chippa.
“Then when we return on Monday, we will be able to provide all the names of the new players in the club.”
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