Ex-Stellenbosch star opens up on Kaizer Chiefs links

Published on by Nkosiyabuya Sithole, updated on

A former Stellenbosch FC star has opened up on having been heavily linked with Kaizer Chiefs when he was playing for the Cape Winelands side.

Several stars have emerged from Stellies in the past few seasons with many switching to Gauteng so-called big clubs.

This includes Iqraam Rayners, Ashley Du Preez, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Deano Van Rooyen, Junior Mendieta and many others.

Leletu Skelem had a promising career when he was still donning the maroon colours of Stellies. 

He was said to have been on the radar of Amakhosi for some time, however, he made a surprising move to Maritzburg United in 2021.

Skelem says he only had about Chiefs’ interest in the media, emphasising that neither he nor his agent received any direct communication from the club.

FORMER STELLIES STAR DENIES BEING APPROACHED BY KAIZER CHIEFS

“Because I was becoming too comfortable at Stellenbosch, I could see I was not going to be in the coach's plans,” Skelem told KickOff.

“I had two options, Chippa United or Maritzburg United. At Chippa United there was coach Gavin Hunt, but Stellenbosch and Chippa couldn't reach agreement, so they turned their attention to Maritzburg United.

“I then decided to accept the move to Maritzburg United because coach Ernst Middendorp was very interested in having me there,” he added.

“As for Kaizer Chiefs being interested in me, I won't lie, I only read about that in the social media and in the media. I never had any contact with Chiefs, even my agent at the time never said anything about Chiefs.

“But I'm at Casric now, I arrived here, and they assessed me for three weeks before signing me. My immediate plan is to gain promotion to the Betway Premiership with them.”

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Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

Nkosi's career began in 2020, working as a home-based writer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since written for various websites, including Briefly News, FiND-iT News, and The South African. Attending live sporting events is a particular pleasure for him, as they provide opportunities for interaction with sports personalities.

Outside of the office, he's a God-fearing and affable young man.