PSL striker snubbed by Kaizer Chiefs showing Amakhosi what they are missing

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Kaizer Chiefs may be left wondering what could have been after striker Jean Lwamba, who once offered to solve their goal-scoring woes, has hit a rich vein of form with his new club, Durban City FC.

After a slow start to his career in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), the Congolese forward has found his rhythm in the demanding South African top flight. His goal-scoring prowess has already been instrumental in helping Durban City secure major silverware in his debut season.

The 24-year-old has scored six goals and provided one assist in 19 appearances for the newly crowned Nedbank Cup champions. His recent form has been particularly impressive, with six goals in his last four matches, including braces against Magesi FC and Siwelele FC.

This success comes after Lwamba, fresh from being named Player of the Season in Botswana, expressed a desire to play for Chiefs. During his time with Tafic FC in Botswana, he finished as the league’s top scorer with 15 goals and 8 assists in 29 games.

Why Chiefs were wrong to snub striker

Last weekend, Lwamba cemented his hero status at Durban City by scoring the decisive goal in the Nedbank Cup final at Peter Mokaba Stadium. The victory not only secured the trophy but also guaranteed the club a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

Kabelo Dipholo, a sports reporter and former public relations officer for Tafic FC, expressed no surprise at the striker’s recent success. Speaking to KickOff, he insisted that PSL fans have yet to see the best of Lwamba.

“Not surprised at all. We knew once he settled, South Africa would see the best of Lwamba because he’s that talented,” Dipholo stated.

Dipholo acknowledged the initial challenges strikers face, noting, “It’s normal for strikers to have a slow start. If they don’t score in their early matches, confidence drops. A good striker shooting blanks still needs support from the coach. The arrival of the new coach at the team has been a blessing.”

Lwamba tipped to play for the ‘Big Three’

Durban City striker Jean Lwamba. Photo - Durban City
Durban City striker Jean Lwamba. Photo: Durban City

He also believes Lwamba is destined for greater things, suggesting a move to one of the country’s biggest clubs is on the horizon.

“I’m convinced he’ll eventually play for one of the top three clubs before heading to Europe. He’s that good,” Dipholo added. “Chiefs is a pressure team; perhaps going to Durban City was the right move. He can now transition to either Chiefs, Pirates, or Sundowns. Hopefully Chiefs.”

Reflecting on his time in Botswana, Dipholo concluded, “This is a player who set the Botswana Premier League alight… Everyone wanted him, and it’s not in TAFIC’s nature to stand in the way of players if there’s an opportunity for growth.”

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.