Phathutshedzo Nange’s official arrival was delayed for a number of reasons after he was officially announced as a Kaizer Chiefs player in July, so he has had the past fortnight to acclimatize himself to his new team and surroundings.

The 29-year-old is now looking ahead to the next 10 months and working towards ensuring it turns out to be a successful one.

Nange joins Chiefs having spent the 2020-21 season at Stellenbosch, and prior to that he had spells at Black Leopards and Bidvest Wits.

Commenting on his impressions thus far, having now been at the club for almost a month, he said: “Firstly, I would say I am happy to be part of the family. It was not an easy journey, but I am happy to be here. They welcomed me nicely and I feel part of the family.”

His football journey has now brought him to Naturena and Nange says it is a move he has worked hard for.

“My family are happy for me, because this is a dream come true. This is where I wanted to be. As a footballer you want to play for one of the big clubs. This is one of the biggest clubs on the continent. I want to work with the guys, work together as a team and make sure that at the end of the season we have a trophy. We will work hard and work towards that,” says Nange.

While most of his teammates were busy with the CAF Champions League campaign late into July, Nange has had the chance to have an off season. He does feel that he has made sufficient strides since getting back to his full training regime.

“I think I am ready. As a team we have been working hard, I think with regards to my fitness level I am up there with the other guys,” he says.

He is also aware of course Chiefs has the most passionate and biggest fan base in the country, and he had a brief, but important message for them.

“They have to keep supporting us and we love them. We love them a lot and we want to make sure that we get something at the end of the season,” concludes Nange.