Posted in News on Nov 13, 2008.
could be unleashed on Orlando Pirates in Saturday's Absa Premiership
Soweto Derby to be played at Mmabatho's Mafikeng Stadium. Kick-off is
at 4pm.
Amakhosi manager Bobby Motaung announced on Thursday that Chiefs
have signed Nigerian striker Zito Ogbonna on a three year deal.
Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral said he was delighted with his new
acquisition and that if all the paper work and work permit was obtained
before Saturday, the big Nigerian could make his debut against Bucs.
"He scores goals like Collins Mbesuma did in 2005 but is more
mobile," said Ertugral. "He has also got a quick understanding with
Jose Torrealba. I believe that the Torrealba- Ogbonna combination could
be lethal this season. If he gets his work permit who knows maybe I
will blood him against Pirates."
The 25-year-old striker has been with Chiefs for the past three
weeks undergoing medical tests and ironing out his contract.
"It's not easy signing international quality players. But I am happy
we succeeded," said Motoung.
Ogbonna played for Rumanian champions Crf-cluj who are currently
playing in the European Champions League and also spent years in
Israel where he was top goal scorer.
"I aim to do my best for Chiefs. I am happy to have signed and
hope that I will fill the fans expectations," said the new Chiefs
striker.
"He is ideally suited to Chiefs. I reckon after doing my research
we have found the right player," said Ertugral.
But whether or not Ogbonna makes his debut in the Derby, Ertugral
has the edge over his Bucs counterpart Ruud Krol who admitted he does
not know what to expect as regards the atmosphere and tension from
players and fans.
Ertugral said he admired Krol as he played for Ajax Amsterdam and
for Holland in the famous "Dutch Masters" under Johan Cruyff but hoped
to get the better of him and Bucs tactically on Saturday.
But Ertugral said it was vital that the teams bring back the spark
to the Derby.
: "One mistake, a tactical change or even the weather conditions can
affect the outcome. It is in my opinion one of the top five derbies in
world football.
I fell in love with the Chiefs-Pirates derby when I
first came here in 1999 and believe Saturday's Derby will be a cliff
hanger." "It is a big pity that this Soweto Derby is being played so
far away from Johannesburg, but I am looking forward to the
experience," said Krol. Krol will be minus his first choice goalkeeper
Moeneeb Josephs who broke his nose in Bucs' 1-0 Premiership win over
Platinum Stars at the Johannesburg Stadium on Wednesday night.
But Krol is fortunate in that he has an experience replacement in
Senzo Meyiwa who played in last season's two Soweto Derbies.
"Apart from Josephs we are at full strength and raring to go," said
the Pirates coach.
Chiefs showed they are getting back to their best when they
defeated PSL champions SuperSport United 1-0 in their league encounter
at the Super Stadium on Wednesday night.
Ertugral said that the improvement in Chiefs was due to the greater
trust the players had in him and it is starting to beat fruit on the
field.
In other Saturday fixtures, AmaZulu host bay United at the Princess
Magogo Stadium (3.30pm). SuperSport face Bidvest Wits at the Super
Stadium at 8pm while Ajax Cape Town entertain Free State Stars at the
Athlone Stadium also at 8pm.