Striker Jaisen Clifford has revealed the reason behind his decision to join Betway Premiership side Marumo Gallants despite interest from the Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates.
Clifford spent almost a decade in Europe, where he played in Lithuania, Portugal and Bulgaria. Before signing for Gallants in July, he was on the books of Bulgarian club Etar Veliko Tarnovo.
His time at that club ended on June 30, having joined them in March 2024. The 29-year-old was so impressive that he even attracted interest from various European clubs.
Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates showed interest in Clifford as they sought to strengthen their forward-line but he settled for Gallants. Clifford started his career in SuperSport United’s youth structures before making a bold move to join Gudja United in Malta.
That was in 2015. He later played for Mqabba FC, before switching to Lithuanian club Stumbras, where he played along with Kgaogelo Sekgota in 2017. Along the way, Clifford had stints at Condeixa in Portugal, Cape Town All-Stars in South Africa, and FC Van in Armenia.
JAISEN CLIFFORD ON WHY HE CHOSE MARUMO GALLANTS
In an interview with FARPost, Clifford said he joined Gallants because of a special role he was given by club chairman Abram Sello.
“I spent nine years outside of South Africa and it was about time for me to return. Obviously there was so much interest, big PSL teams made inquiries.
“As a player, I was weighing my options but Marumo Gallants were the team with more serious advances. As soon as I sat down with the chairman, he wanted things to be done immediately and I also wanted to secure myself in the country.
“They were the most serious and what they offered me was enough for me to say yes. The role they gave me in the team, makes it more special, obvious coming back from Europe, they wanted me to help by passing on experience. The role that I have is very interesting for me and also the project itself is very interesting for me.
“We are very ambitious, we want to win trophies and it’s a good platform for me to showcase myself in South Africa because I have been away for so long. To be honest, this club ticks all the boxes of what I want in my life at this stage and career. I wanted to be close to home and they gave me this chance,” Clifford told FARPost.
Clifford has scored twice in nine Betway Premiership matches. First, he scored when they beat Orlando Pirates 2-1 on 12 August. He grabbed his second goal against Kaizer Chiefs when they drew 1-1 on 24 September.
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