Grant Nieuwenhuys, Giovanni Philander’s agent, has revealed the role played by coach Kwanele Kopo in signing the former Mamelodi Sundowns winger to Chippa United ahead of the 2024/25 PSL campaign.
Philander, 24, who recently signed for the Chilli Boys, featured for Sundowns’ Reserves between 2017 and 2019.
He joins the Gqeberha-based outfit from the SAFA Western Cape ABC Motsepe League side FN Rangers. Philander was magnificent for the Rangers during the just-ended ABC Motsepe National Playoffs held in Upington, Northern Cape.
He became a key figure for his team, driving them forward with his tireless energy and skill, catching the eyes of the Chilli Boys.
The ex-Ajax Cape Town youth player was a force to be reckoned with given his ability to cause problems for opponents during the playoffs.
GRANT NIEUWENHUYS ON KWANELE KOPO’S ROLE IN SNAPPING UP GIOVANNI PHILANDER
Nieuwenhuys was full of praise for coach Kopo, citing how he handled the whole negotiations for Philander to join Chippa.
“Well, look, Chippa, like I said as well, they were very professional like the way they dealt with the whole situation [of signing Philander],” Nieuwenhuys told FARPost.
“You know, coach Kopo wanted to have a chat with Giovanni, and we made that happen. I think that was the deciding factor for Giovanni to join Chippa. Coach Kopo sat him down and outlined why he wanted to sign him at Chippa and what the plan was.
“That’s the direction I’m going with, as Giovanni told me, and that’s properly what Giovanni wanted to hear. Like how much the coach wanted him, and all the players like to hear that.”
GRANT NIEUWENHUYS DENIES GIOVANNI PHILANDER’S LINKS TO SUPERSPORT UNITED
Nieuwenhuys went on to deny the reports suggesting that Giovanni was set to join SuperSport United before Chippa could make a move.
“No, wherever you heard that is false. I don’t know who said that but there’s no truth in that,” he added.
“There were other clubs. But I’m not keen on talking about other clubs, to be honest with you. This is because I don’t want clubs to be fighting against one another. Giovanni signed with Chippa, and that’s the end of the story for now.”
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