Posted in News on Dec 10, 2001.
"We are very excited as this was the last piece we needed to complete the puzzle," said club chairman Kaizer Motaung. "The player is still young and has a lot to offer."
The transfer, with immediate effect, came after numerous attempts to sell the defender to Turkish club Febnerbahce fell through.
The arrival of Kannemeyer, on a record R700 000 transfer fee, could help remedy the situation for Chiefs, who had limited options on the left.
Motaung also added that Kannemeyer’s arrival at Naturena would help increase competition in the team. "We were always very thin on the left and I think the coach will definitely have a nice problem in his selection with this acquisition," said Motaung.
Kannemeyer, the second Ajax player to join Amakhosi this season after Shaun Permall, will join his new teammates at the Chiefs Village for his first training session on Tuesday as the team prepare for the all-important clash against rivals Pirates. Chiefs are still reeling from two shock defeats against SuperSport United at home and away to Hellenic.
Coach Muhsin Ertugral welcomed the new signing and heaped praises on the club. “I am very thankful to my president as he is always trying to do the best for the team,” said Ertugral.
“Kannemeyer is the most exciting left back in the country and I think he has a great future with Bafana Bafana. He is definitely going to give us more options on the left.”
The former Cape Town Spurs utility player will also be reunited with his former national under-23 teammates Jabu Pule, Patrick Mbuthu, Stanton Fredericks, Rowen Fernandez and Daniel Matsau. They have played together since 1997 in the national under-20 and graduated together to the Olympic team under coach Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba.
Kannemeyer has played his way into regular Bafana selection and has become one of the most solid defenders in South Africa. His experience gained at the Olympic games last year with the under-23 squad has stood him in good stead for the future.
Kannemeyer has remained injury free for some time now and this is due to the high fitness level that he keeps.
Kannemeyer profile:
Position: Left back or midfield
Nickname: "Day-by-Day"
Birth date: 08/07/1977
Birthplace: Cape Town
Height/weight: 1.73m/69kg
Previous club: Cape Town Spurs (118/13)
Honours: Bafana Bafana, SA under-20 and under-23, Iwisa Charity Spectacular runner-up 1999, BP Top 8 Cup runner up 2000, Rothmans Cup winner 2000.
Last international match played: SA vs Mozambique (Cosafa Cup 28 April 2001)
Soccer hero: David Beckham
Best moment in soccer: Playing for Bafana, going to the Olympics with the under-23 side and also at u20 World Cup in Malaysia
Biggest influence in my career: My Parents
Aim for the season: To become a regular with Bafana Bafana
Recent injuries: None
Profile courtesy of Ajax online
