Chiefs sign new striker
Chiefs sign new striker

Posted in News on Nov 13, 2008.

Kaizer Chiefs believe they have found their missing link and he

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.

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