Dean Jones from Athlone in Cape Town couldn't hide his feelings when his name was drawn alongside Kaizer Chiefs at the draw of the Nedbank Cup Ke Yona Draft.

“I was playing for Salt River Blackpool in the Castle League,” said a visibly excited Jones, who comes from a poor neighbourhood, before adding about the opportunity to join Amakhosi for a month: “I am getting close to my dream.”

Jones was in the Ke Yona Team squad that lost 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday.

“The first time I was selected for trials I was nervous,” reflects Jones. Then, he adds: “I just went there to showcase my talent. I stuck to the basics and did what I know.”

Now, Jones will spend a month on trial at Kaizer Chiefs from 1 October.

“I was emotional when selected,” enthuses Jones, whose favourite player at the Amakhosi is Daniel Cardoso. “I always wished to be in the limelight one day and here I am. Kaizer Chiefs is a big club, very huge, it is a giant. It is an immense responsibility to wear the Gold and Black jersey. However, I have always thought that one day my chance would come and now it has arrived.”

Jones prayed with the audience, watching his teammates being matched with other PSL sides… He didn’t want to be matched with any other team. “I just wanted to join the team that always competes for honours,” he explains his wish to join the Amakhosi.

To conclude, the 21-year-old central defender added, “I’m ready to adapt to the requirements at Chiefs.”