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Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung says the club had to persevere to
complete a deal to sign Siphelele Ntshangase as his price tag was
increased when Amakhosi's interest became known.
The play-maker was previously a target of Chiefs when he played for Black Leopards in the National First Division but, according to Motaung, Lidoda Duvha boss David Thidiela raised his asking price to R6 million when the Glamour Boys showed interest.
As a result, the 24-year-old moved to Baroka where he spent the first half of the 2017/18 campaign - helping Bakgaga to a respectable position in the Absa Premiership.
Nonetheless, 'Bobsteak' explained how the deal to secure Ntshangase's services on a two-and-a-half year contract was finalised. Speaking to reporters, he said: "I think the issue of Ntshangase has been a thorny one with Chiefs supporters and the media in terms of us (supposedly) not wanting to pay for the player.
"But I think there’s been a lot of persuasive matters‚ addressing Black Leopards at the time to try and persuade the player to come to Chiefs. The chairperson of Leopards (David Thidiela) made it clear at the time that even when he was injured‚ when we tried to acquire him‚ that Ntshangase could go to any other club at the price that was there.
"But as long as he went to Chiefs it was going to go sky high – talking about R6 million and all that. He said it was because Chiefs have a special price tag. That obviously stifled the deal at the time.
"And we have always been pursuing the services of the player. And finally‚ with Baroka‚ we settled and we did a deal with him and we brought him on board. We just negotiated in good faith. And the player was willing to come to Chiefs‚ and he’s here.
"And I think it’s a blessing because it’s at the right moment. He’s only 24‚ he still has a long way to go. And we feel it’s the right investment for us."
