Latest on Glody Lilepo Makabi’s paperwork ahead of Soweto derby

With the striker crisis facing Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the much-awaited Soweto Derby, the million-dollar question has been whether new signing Glody Lilepo Makabi has the paperwork to make his debut.

The Congolese forward was unveiled as a Chiefs player on Monday.

Lilepo joined Amakhosi from French third-tier side Valenciennes FC in a deal worth R9.5 million. He signed a two-and-a-half-year contract. The club’s head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, expressed excitement over the arrival of the 27-year-old winger-cum-striker.

The lanky attacker can play on either wing and through the middle as a centre forward. With Tashreeq Morris suspended, Wandile Duba and Ashley Du Preez injured, there was an urgency to get Lilepo’s paperwork sorted in time for the game. Ranga Chivaviro, who has scored five goals in 16 outings, is the only fit centre forward available.

“It’s true that I’ve been following Glody Lilepo Makabi since the time he was at AS Vita Club before even going to Al Hilal, and at that time at Young Africans, we even tried to bring him in, but it didn’t work out,” said Nabi.

“Last season, I tried to bring him in at AS FAR Rabat, and it didn’t work, but this time it worked out – we faced tough competition for him with Tunisian clubs, but we are so happy he joined us.”

IS LILEPO’S PAPERWORK SORTED?

Indications are that the club was able to get the paperwork over the line. As a foreign national, the Congolese is required to obtain a work visa that allows him to work and reside in South Africa.

Without that document, Lilepo would not be able to start playing official games. The former AS Vita and Al Hilal winger is eligible for selection, having acquired his paperwork during the week. However, the coach will decide whether he will play in the Soweto Derby. Judging by Nabi’s words, the talented attacker could start on the bench.

“We believe that with his experience and skills, he’s someone that can help us a lot, especially in the attacking third, but we might as well give him a little bit of time to adapt to SA football and his teammates, but I think he’s going to be a very good signing for us,” explained Nabi.

Chiefs’ new signings – Morris, Lilepo and Thabo Cele – trained with the team this week. All three have been active at their previous clubs, and fitness should not be an issue.

Cele and Lilepo could be introduced as substitutes as Chiefs look to win the derby.

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