Etiosa Ighodaro has officially joined Kaizer Chiefs on a free transfer, following the resolution of his issue with Mamelodi Sundowns. Amakhosi announced the Nigerian forward’s signing on Tuesday.
When Masandawana got wind of the fact that the player was signing with Chiefs, they moved swiftly to offer him a “new deal”. The Betway Premiership reigning champions promised this would be the season they would give him a chance with Peter Shalulile, and Lucas Ribeiro Costa is likely to leave.
Ighodaro had expressed the frustration of being unsettled as he was constantly loaned out. He spent time at clubs like the University of Pretoria, Chippa United, SuperSport United and AmaZulu FC last season.
It is worth noting that, in the process of many loan deals, Sundowns, who signed him in 2021 from Abuja College, saw his agreement with the defending South African champions lapse. Sundowns could not continually have him on their books, as that would affect the number of foreigners they register. Therefore, there was no valid contract that bound the Nigerian to Sundowns or AmaTuks.
ETIOSA IGHODARO REJECTED SUNDOWNS’ OFFERS TO JOIN CHIEFS
Ighodaro recently refused a new offer from Sundowns, who were eager to get him to stay at the club this time around. There were also efforts to facilitate a deal for him to move to Tunisian giants Esperance, which he turned down.
The idea by Sundowns was seemingly not to have him complete a move to their rivals, Chiefs. Seeing that he was not going to be released by Sundowns, the player and his management team initiated legal proceedings to obtain a clearance.
Sundowns were reportedly advised that they would lose the case if they tried fighting. Eventually, they issued a clearance on Monday, allowing the player to complete his move to the Chiefs. It means he joins Chiefs on a free transfer.
The Soweto giants welcomed the Nigerian hitman on Tuesday, revealing that he will wear jersey number 50 at the club.
“Kaizer Chiefs have acquired the services of another striker, Etiosa Ighodaro,” reads the club statement. “The 24-year-old Nigerian arrived in South Africa in July 2021 and has played for several PSL outfits, scoring a total of 25 goals in 97 appearances. He spent last season on loan with AmaZulu FC.”
Chiefs’ sporting director, Kaizer Motaung Jr, also shared his thoughts on Ighodaro’s abilities and potential, saying, “We warmly welcome Etiosa into the Kaizer Chiefs family. We’re excited that he has joined our journey. His passion, work rate and dedication will surely add to the team this season and beyond.
“We look forward to creating unforgettable moments together in the Gold & Black colours of the Glamour Boys. Here’s to new beginnings and the spirit of Amakhosi.”
RELATED STORY: Thabo Cele pinpoints Kaizer Chiefs’ problem