MIHLALI BALEKA
Bongani Sam is honoured to have etched his name in the history books of SA football, and that’s why he’s eager to make the most of his recent opportunity and make history.
Sam is set to become one of the record-breakers in the local top flight when he makes his debut for Kaizer Chiefs, after recently joining the club on a three-year deal. The 27-year-old defender will make history by becoming one of the few players to have played for the Soweto big three – Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and the now-defunct Moroka Swallows.
Sam joined Pirates from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2019, but he spent most of that time out on loan, including at Swallows in the last two seasons. The Motherwell-born left-back has been given a lifeline, though, as he was unveiled by Chiefs on Sunday, bolstering the squad ahead of the new season.
“It’s an honour for me to be one of the players who (would) have played for all the teams in Soweto,” said Sam during an exclusive interview with SuperSport.
“I am very happy and excited (to have joined another Soweto giant), I can’t wait for the season to start.
“It wasn’t that difficult for me (to adapt) because the environment that I am coming from, it gave me the platform for me to adjust in this journey.”
He’ll need to hit the ground running in order to cement his spot in the heart of Amakhosi faithful and new coach Nasreddine Nabi.
The Tunisian-born tactician joined Chiefs during the ongoing pre-season transfer window, and he started working with the team during their pre-season tour of Türkiye. And having been part of Chiefs’ first camp abroad in more than two decades, Same he described the feeling of working with the revered Nabi.
“I am so excited (to work under coach Nabi), I think he’s coming at a great time for us,” Sam said.
Sam and his teammates have their work cut out for them this season as they try to the glory days back to the club.
Chiefs have fallen from grace in the last nine seasons as they’ve failed to win silverware, despite signing some of the best players locally and abroad. Sam knows a thing or two about winning trophies, though, having won the MTN8 with Pirates in 2020. And that’s why he’s declared his ambitions at Chiefs.
“I want to help the team to return to the glory days,” Sam said. “It’s not only me, though, I am sure the guys are eager to do the same thing.
“I am just fortunate that I am part and parcel of the group of players that want to take the team back to where it belongs.”
That won’t be easy, though. There’s a rebuilding phase that must take place before Chiefs can contest for titles again, with their supporters urged to be patient.
Chiefs have ensured that they are not leaving any stone unturned as they continue to bring in players whom they hope will fit into Nabi’s system.
On top of Sam’s unveiling on Sunday, Chiefs also confirmed the signing of former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Gaston Sirino.
The Uruguayan has ample experience under his belt, having won multiple trophies at Sundowns, including six league titles during his six-year stint with the club.
“I think as a team we just need to stay focused, help each other on anything in order to achieve anything this season,” Sam concluded.