Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brian Baloyi has revealed that he came close to joining English giants Liverpool FC in the late 1990s.
Affectionately known as “Spider-Man”, Baloyi was at the peak of his powers in 1998 and was the first-choice goalkeeper for Bafana Bafana during the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking on the Car Wash 2.0 podcast, the retired shot-stopper was asked whether he ever had the opportunity to move abroad. Baloyi revealed that while there were multiple chances, none ultimately materialised.
“The closest would be with Copenhagen. That was when Sibusiso Zuma was still there,” Baloyi said.
“The first time Zuma told them about me, they started enquiring and wanted me to go for trials, but Kaizer Chiefs said no. The club said if they wanted me, they should buy me.”
Kaizer Chiefs legend on failed Liverpool move
Baloyi then opened up about an even bigger missed opportunity involving Liverpool.
“Before that, Liverpool. Peta Balać, a Kaizer Chiefs legend, and Bruce Grobbelaar were trying to get me there. It was in 1998 during the World Cup when they came to our camp,” he explained.
“They came to the hotel and spoke to my agent and me. At the time, Irvin Khoza and Kaizer Motaung were also staying at the same hotel. They said they would speak to Liverpool.
“They arranged everything and told me that after the World Cup I should go back home and then join Liverpool. But that never happened. When I got back, Chiefs told Liverpool to buy me.”
After the Liverpool move fell through, Baloyi revealed there was also interest from clubs in Turkey and Greece.
Despite the overseas opportunities, the former Amakhosi star remained in South Africa, eventually leaving Chiefs to join rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in 2004. He later returned to the club before retiring from professional football six years later.