Former SuperSport United and Free State Stars striker Noah Chivuta has cautioned Kaizer Chiefs against signing players from lesser-known leagues.
His warning comes in light of reports suggesting that the Soweto giants have acquired Portuguese striker Flavio Silva, who is currently playing for Persebaya Surabaya in Indonesia.
Chivuta, who left the Premier Soccer League (PSL) a decade ago and subsequently enjoyed a successful stint in Thailand, emphasised that the leagues in South Asia are semi-professional. He believes that Kaizer Chiefs would be taking a significant risk by signing Silva.
“Firstly, Chiefs shouldn’t be considering players from the Indonesia League, which is semi-professional and comparable to Cambodia and Laos,” Chivuta told KickOff.
“Indonesia is not a top league where a club like Chiefs should be scouting for players. It is not even rated highly even here in Asia and no superstar ever goes there. Intensity is not high in the Indonesia League, so it will be difficult for this striker to make the cut at Chiefs.
Kaizer Chiefs sign Indonesia-based player?
“For him to be in that league means that his standard is not the best. I came to Asia past my prime and after having played in the PSL, so it gives you the idea what I’m talking about,” said the former Zambia international.
“This guy’s trail is worrying and leaves a lot of questions in need of answers. He shouldn’t be signed because he was once in the development of Sporting and Benfica but rather for what he has done in senior football and playing where. “
Chivuta said Kaizer Chiefs can do better in signing players. Having spent several years playing in South Asia, the former Bidvest Wits star believes moving to Indonesia from South Africa is an upgrade in terms of football.
“If it is a quick fix and he settles in quickly, then they can take a chance with him. But I feel Chiefs is gambling with this striker and I think they can do better than this.
“Moving from Indonesia to South Africa is a huge upgrade and he will not cope at that age,” he added
“Besides the league where he has been playing, we also have to consider the kind of goals he has been scoring and playing against who in Indonesia. …but a 29-year-old playing in Indonesia is not the solution for Kaizer Chiefs.”
Which players should Chiefs be looking at?
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