SuperSport United striker Samir Nurkovic has explained why he chose to remain in South Africa over a return to Europe.
Nurkovic, nicknamed ‘Kokota Piano’ in South Africa, arrived in the PSL in 2019, joining Kaizer Chiefs from Slovakian side Kormano. He enjoyed a stellar debut season with Amakhosi, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists in 31 appearances across all competitions.
After leaving Chiefs in 2022, Nurkovic joined Royal AM, only for the KZN club to unlawfully terminate his contract a few months later.
He spent nearly a year as a free agent before signing with TS Galaxy. During this period, his agent revealed they explored opportunities abroad, particularly in Europe, but Nurkovic insisted on remaining in South Africa.
He cited his enjoyment of life in the country, familiarity with the league and his relationship with his South African girlfriend, Bryoni Govender, as the reasons for his decision.
NURKOVIC ON DECISION TO REMAIN IN SA
“I mean, it’s an amazing country, amazing people. Since day one, I have enjoyed every single minute in this country, and South Africa itself gave me a lot,” said Nurkovic.
“Also, to mention my lady from South Africa, and I’m comfortable here. And I was in talks also with this amazing club SuperSport and when you’re seeing it from the players’ perspective that if you’re in a comfortable place where everybody knows you like, it’s always better for you than to go somewhere else where you’re not familiar with the environment. So, that’s it.”
Asked what it would take for him to return to his old form that he had, especially during his first season at Chiefs, he said: “Consistency, stay injury-free, work hard and be in a good environment, and I think that I’m in the perfect environment.
“If I put hard work in it and be consistent. Good things take time sometimes, so I just need to work hard to get where I was before.
“I’m now in a very accommodating environment, a very good club, one of the top three clubs in the country. They have won trophies. I’m really happy to be part of this club, and like I said, it’s all about consistently and hard work.”
RELATED STORY: Bradley Grobler on Nurkovic: ‘I was a big fan when he was at Chiefs’
