DURBAN – National First Division outfit Royal Eagles have appointed former Bafana Bafana midfielder Kagisho “KG” Dikgacoi as an assistant coach.
Independent Media has been reliably informed by a close source that Dikgacoi will assist head coach Roger Sikhakhane at Eagles for the new season.
The well-travelled midfield dynamo last appeared for Lamontville Golden Arrows two seasons ago.
He joined them following his six-year spell in Europe, where he played for clubs like Fulham, Crystal Palace and Cardiff City.
The club’s General Manager James Dlamini confirmed the signing of Dikgacoi.
“Yes, it is true that Dikgacoi has joined us. He signed a one-year contract, with an option to renew. We are proud to be joined by someone of his stature,” Dlamini said.
Eagles endured torrid times last season as they were languishing at the bottom of the table for the much of the campaign, but Sikhakhane’s appointment rescued their NFD status.
Dikgacoi was the part of the Bafana Bafana team that represented South Africa during the 2010 Fifa World Cup. He made 54 appearances and netted two goals in Bafana colours.
He is one of a few players in the modern era who made a straight switch from the Premier Soccer League to the English Premier League back in 2009 when he joined Fulham from Arrows.
Eagles have built the reputation of attracting big names. Stars like Thulasizwe “Juju” Mbuyane, Katlego “Killer” Mphela, Njabulo “Mvonqo” Manqana, Mark “Professor” Mayambela, Allan Freese and Khabo Zondo have all graced the club with their presence in different capacities.
The club will no doubt be hoping that the arrival of Dikgacoi will steer them to greater heights in the new season.
Dikgacoi was also not available for comment, but Independent Media can confirm that he was at Eagles training on Wednesday morning.
“KG has joined Eagles. Roger Sikhakhane asked the club to hire the former Bafana Bafana midfielder. The club granted him the permission to bring him on board,” a well-placed source stated.
“He will bring in a wealth of experience in the team with knowledge he gained while playing in Europe and the national team. Bafana Nhlapo is the new goalkeeper coach for the club (too).”
Dlamini also confirmed that the club has signed Mbulelo Wambi, Levy Stoffels, Bongani Chikila, Simphiwe Tshabalala and Lungelo Dlamini, who is on loan from AmaZulu.
“We will get another player from Pirates. We are still finalising his paperwork. He will join us on loan,” Dlamini explained.
The Eagles are still based in Pietermaritzburg, but they will play their home matches in Durban at Wema Stadium and Chatsworth Stadium.
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