Posted in News on Aug 06, 2004.
Mabedi, of Malawian origin joined Kaizer Chiefs on the 1st August 1998 and on the basis of having stayed and worked in South Africa for 5 years, qualified to be a 'naturalised' South African.
Speaking from the club's headquarters in Naturena, club spokesman Putco Mafani said they were excited at the developments as "the move will now pave way for more foreigners in case we want to register more with the League, but most importantly congratulations to Patrick".
His coach and mentor Ted Dumitru said: "It is a reward of a different nature to be accepted by the people of a country, as a way of saying thanks for an enormous contribution towards shaping the mindset of the indigenous people in the game of soccer here.
“It should also be looked at as a door to many other life opportunities for Patrick in South Africa, it is a gear shift to greater things for him.”
Mabedi captains Amakhosi after Brian Baloyi who left the club recently to join rivals Sundowns.
Chiefs are left with three foreigners in their squad namely, Collins Mbesuma (Zambia), Tenashe Nengomashe (Zimbabwe) and Kabamba Musasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo).