Siphelele Mthembu explains why he snubbed Sundowns for Chiefs return

Siphelele Mthembu has shed light on his decision to reunite with Kaizer Chiefs, even though Mamelodi Sundown had also expressed interest in him while he was at Platinum Stars.

“Shaka Zulu” enjoyed a fruitful period with Platinum Stars under Cavin Johnson and Allan Freese between 2012 and 2014. 

He played a pivotal role in the team’s triumphs over Orlando Pirates in both the MTN8 and Telkom Knockout Cup finals of the 2013/14 season. 

During his time at Dikwena, he clocked nearly 50 appearances, scoring over 13 goals and contributing six assists. And due to his good performances at Platinum Stars, Mthembu was in demand with Mamelodi Sundowns under the guidance of Pitso Mosimane knocking on the striker’s door for his services.

‘I NEEDED TO GO BACK TO KAIZER CHIEFS AND CLOSE DOORS’

Describing himself as a “spiritual person”, Mthembu sought guidance through prayer on his next move. He shared experiencing a vision that nudged him towards returning to Chiefs and picking up where he left off, declining Sundowns in the process.

“Then I was praying at home and I saw this guy called bab’ Langa I think he has retired now. He gave me a bomber jacket and I was like, ‘What will I say to Platinum Stars?’,” he added.

“He said, ‘Tell them you’re coming here’. The night that I was praying asking God for the next move. And I always felt that you cannot leave the house and not close the door, go back and close the door.

“So I understood that the way I left Chiefs, I needed to come back and [finish up].

“And now the challenges of me being spiritually…At some point, I was called Jesus because I don’t complain, I’m too kind, and I’m forever smiling even when things are bad, but I will smile because I always say at the end of the day I will win.

“I went back to Chiefs because I left doors open. Lovely, God [made it happen]. You know, some players retire without league medals, but I think it’s one of the things God wanted to bless me with.

“With Stuart [Baxter], I enjoyed even though I didn’t play much. He used to tell me that I must observe how the team plays because next season, I’ll be playing the pressing game. Sometimes, the likes of [Kingston] Nkhatha used to be blamed but a lot of work he was putting was making the system perfect.”

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