Chiefs’ tormentor reveals why he snubbed Amakhosi and Pirates for Gallants

Marumo Gallants forward Jaisen Clifford has opened up over why he turned down approaches from Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates to sign for the club.

Clifford arrived at Gallants ahead of this season after nine years abroad and with interest from the Soweto giants, he opted to go elsewhere in what was a surprising decision.

The 29-year-old has since played 11 games for Gallants and scored two goals, including a beauty against Chiefs last month in a game that ended 1-1.

Clifford says Gallants was an easy choice over Chiefs and Pirates as signing for them allowed many things to fall in place for him.

Clifford lets out on interest from PSL giants

“Chiefs influenced my decision to wanna play football.”

Today, Jaisen Clifford scored a cracker against a club he grew up supporting. His father is a Chiefs supporter.#BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/2oiP9CiwsY

— Tshepang Mailwane (@T_Mailwane) September 24, 2025

“I spent nine years outside of South Africa and it was about time for me to return. Obviously, there was so much interest, big PSL teams made inquiries,” he told FARPost.

“As a player, I was weighing my options but Marumo Gallants were the team with more serious advances. As soon as I sat down with the chairman, he wanted things to be done immediately and I also wanted to secure myself in the country.

“They were the most serious and what they offered me was enough for me to say yes,” Clifford continued.”

Clifford says the need to feel important in the team and win trophies were the other reasons he chose Gallants who also gives him an opportunity to be close with his loved ones.

Why did Gallants striker snub Soweto giants

“The role they gave me in the team, makes it more special, obviously coming back from Europe, they wanted me to help by passing on experience. The role that I have is very interesting for me and also the project itself is very interesting for me,” he added.

“We are very ambitious, we want to win trophies and it’s a good platform for me to showcase myself in South Africa because I have been away for so long. To be honest, this club ticks all the boxes of what I want in my life at this stage and career. I wanted to be close to home and they gave me this chance.”

The striker has been part of a Gallants team that have beaten Pirates, drawn with Chiefs as well as Sundowns in the PSL, and also eliminated the Brazilians from the Carling Knockout this season.