Share

Amakhosi move 'didn't make sense', says Ngobeni

Cape Town - Highlands Park goalkeeper Thela Ngobeni has explained why he did not end up moving to Kaizer Chiefs after being linked with the club.

Ngobeni, who recently signed a three-year contract with the Lions of North, had previously been linked with a move to Naturena in the January transfer window after a string of costly errors from Virgil Vries, who has since been released from his Amakhosi contract.

Ngobeni reveals his agent was approached by Chiefs but that the offer was not for a long enough period of time to convince him.

“So basically, what happened with Chiefs is that there was communication from my agent at the time and we waited for a concrete offer,” Ngobeni said.

“I think we told them what we want, and I think the challenge at some point was the years they wanted to give me. It just didn’t really make sense for me to be there at the times.”

The 30-year-old says that contrary to popular belief he was not put off by the fact that he would have been understudy to Itumeleng Khune.

“Honestly speaking it wasn’t a factor," said the former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper.

"I don’t remember myself at some point think who is the number one and who is not the number one wherever I go.

“What was more important for me was to be in an environment where I’d be happy. Even here at Highlands they have good quality goalkeepers and it won’t be easy for me.

“For me it was about being in the best environment.”

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1816 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1775 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1083 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 460 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 253 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE