Mokotjo Opens Up On Failed Chiefs Move

South Africa international midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo admits talks with Kaizer Chiefs weren’t fruitful but is relishing the chance offered by Sekhukhune United.

After 14 years in Europe, the SuperSport United academy product is in his first-ever campaign in the DStv Premiership.

Having arrived after not playing for almost two years due to two separate knee injuries, he’s gotten quickly up to speed under head coach Brandon Truter and started each of their last five games in all competitions.

And his impact has been evident, with Truter hailing him as the best number six in the country and even tipping him to make the Africa Cup of Nations squad in January.

But Mokotjo, who turned 32 in March, could have ended up at Naturena, and while he was coy on why it never materialised, it’s believed Chiefs were put off by his recent injury layoffs and potential age bracket, having stated their vision is a more youthful approach.

“I didn’t know what to make of it. Saw a lot of things in the media and yeah, that was that I think that a certain perception of me, you know, that I didn’t really get,” Mokotjo said in Edition 99 of iDiski Times.

“But yeah there were talks. But not fruitful. I’ll just leave it at that because I tell you something, I respect every club. You know.

“I respect every club and whether things go my way, or they don’t. I think that’s God’s plan. And yeah, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be at the moment.

“I’m really grateful that after I think my last game was in November. I think maybe November, maybe October 2021.

“And here I am. Getting minutes, I’m really grateful for that. I’m also grateful to Sekhukhune United, for giving me this opportunity. Giving me this opportunity to do what I love. So, I count my blessings on that.

“I’m very, I’m very, very grateful, very grateful to them. Because I know how I was seen and how I was portrayed and who they think I am.”

When asked if he expected offers from the big three as many high-profile players have received when returning home after spells abroad, Mokotjo reiterated that he’s never been one to expect handouts and he’s to prove his worth as he’s still at the peak of his career.

– Advertisement –

“No, I wasn’t expecting anything. The thing is with me. That’s the thing with me. Okay. No. I’m always… And because the injury factor was also a thing. It’s okay,” he continued.

“You were injured for so and so. So you need to get back into the system… And start playing? You know, I cannot control what other people think.

“What people will say, what people do. The only thing I can control is me. And how can I control that? The only way I can control that is by being on the pitch and doing what I do.

“So that’s why I’m grateful for Sekhukhune United, and that will not change how I keep things simple.”

The former Brentford and FC Twente midfielder last featured for Bafana Bafana back in 2022 in a 2-0 win over São Tomé and Príncipe under then-head coach Molefi Ntseki, who is now the Head of Technical at Amakhosi.