Lorenzo Gordinho is heading back to Kaizer Chiefs after a successful spell on loan to Bloemfontein Celtic.
The hard tackling defender, is eager to make an impact at the heart of the Amakhosi defence.
Gordinho will compete with Mario Booysen, Daniel Cardoso, Eric Mathoho, Teenage Hadebe and Siyabonga Ngezana for the starting berth at Amakhosi.
Chiefs have struggled to come up with a solid partnership at the heart of defence. “My goal is to contribute positively to the team and I’m happy to be on my way back," Gordinho says.
“Being at Celtic was a great experience for me. I learned a lot during my time with them. It was something new for me and I’ve grown as a player as a result," he explained.
Under the tenure of Ernst Middendorp, Amakhosi have been better defensively. And the return of Gordinho could well further strengthen them in this department.
“As a player you always have to deal with pressure but this doesn't worry me. The good thing is that I’ve played for Chiefs before and I pretty much know what to expect. Let's just say I'll be doing my best to make a meaningful impact."
Gordinho was loaned out to Celtic 18 months ago following what for him was a torrid time at Chiefs. “I didn’t see the move as a step back when I was told I was going on loan to Celtic. I wanted to make the best out of my time there. And I’m happy that I grew as a player in those 18 months. What was a positive for me is the fact that I got regular game time.
“We were united as a team. The supporters were amazing. Whether we won or we lost they were behind us. The team spirit was always high despite the challenges we encountered."
Celtic have been facing turbulent times financially and Gordinho was asked if he ever experienced a situation where he didn't get paid.
"No, that didn't happen," he insists.
“We took a resolution as a team that it all comes down to football. That’s the mentality which helped us to prevail. We went on to the pitch motivated which is why we have been able to get positive results.”
Gordinho will join up with his teammates at Naturena towards the end of this week.
“And I'm really looking forward to what for me is a new, exciting challenge," he explained.
Chiefs will open the new year with a couple of difficult fixtures. They host Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on January 5 in an Absa Premiership tussle and four days later visit table-topping Bidvest Wits at Bidvest Stadium in another league game. Amakhosi are nine points behind Wits and need to make inroads as soon as possible if they are serious about challenging for league honours.
Chiefs are in a three-year barren run of trophies. They haven't tasted success since 2015. The last time they lifted any silverware was against Orlando Pirates in an MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Chiefs are now left with the league and the Nedbank Cup – in which they are scheduled to visit Tornado in the last 32 – to play for.