South African right-back Mhleli Mabuza has opened up on his brief trial at Kaizer Chiefs following his transfer to Amora FC in Portugal.
The assessment took place between the final two matches of the season, but it ended abruptly when the club closed after their last game. Mabuza arrived on the day of the Nedbank Cup final in South Africa.
A graduate of KZN Academy, the 24-year-old made a notable impact overseas, being named the best right-back in the Campeonato de Portugal, which attracted interest from PSL clubs. TS Galaxy, AmaZulu FC and Richards Bay FC were also keen on his signature.
The Empangeni-born star provided nine assists for Louletano Desportos Clube in Portugal’s fourth tier.
WHAT MHLELI MABUZA SAID ABOUT THE CHIEFS TRIAL AFTER AMORA MOVE
โThe timing of the trial was a bit tricky. It came between the last two games of their season as the club pushed for a top-eight finish, and over a month after my season in Portugal had ended. โIt was a bit of a compromise,โ Mabuza told FARPost.
โThe tricky part was that Amora FC were also speaking to me. They knew me from my time at Louletano. Theyโre a very ambitious club in Liga 3 who want to push for promotion to Liga 2.โ
He explained that he couldn’t continue his trial with Chiefs immediately after the South African season ended.
โAmora were always talking to me, and I couldnโt wait for pre-season to come back to trial again. I had to make a decision.โ
Mabuza has signed a one-year contract with an option to extend for an additional year. Aware of the interest he may attract, the club has included a release clause in the agreement.
The defender is excited about his transfer to Amora, as it aligns well with his career goals. โThey have a good, competitive team. Itโs a fresh challenge for me. I want to help them achieve their goal of making it to Liga 2, but also develop my game further next season.โ
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