EAST LONDON – One of the most promising young defenders in South African football, Ayabulela Konqobe, hopes to make history and is very happy to be a Chippa United player.
The Cape Town-born player signed a three-year deal with the Chilli Boys from KwaZulu-Natal team AmaZulu.
The Eastern Cape side have welcomed more than 15 players before the start of the new season after they were nearly relegated last season.
Konqobe is expected to compete for the spot in the backline with the likes of Zitha Macheke and James Okwuosa – who are currently Dan Malesela’s most trusted soldiers.
Konqobe tasted success last season when Thanda Royal Zulu won the National First Division title.
Unfortunately, the Thanda PSL franchise was sold to AmaZulu, who are playing in the Absa Premiership again after spending some time in the NFD.
“I am very excited to be part of Chippa United. It’s a new start, new journey and new challenge for me to become a better person and player.
“The reception was amazing, meeting a lot of players that I’ve played with and players who come from the same place as me,” an elated Konqobe told the club’s website.
Chippa United had a serious challenge of allowing opponents to score goals last season, but the arrival of top players like Konqobe, Brighton Mhlongo and Macheke gives the coach piece of mind.
“Head coach Dan Malesela was brilliant from day one, giving me a warm welcome, and I’m excited to be working with him,” said Konqobe.
Dan Malesela gave Ayabulela Konqobe a warm welcome at Chippa United. Photo: Frikkie Kapp, BackpagePix
Malesela added: “It is every young player’s dream to play in the Premiership, Konqobe is no different and (he) is quite pleased that his dream has finally come true.”
After tasting success at Thanda, Konqobe wants to win titles with Chippa United.
“The wait is over! Yeah, it’s a huge relief, its never nice knowing you might be out for a long time because of certain things you can’t control, but I’m glad it was just fixed swiftly and quickly,” said Konqobe.
“So now it’s up to me to focus on my football, because that’s the only motivation that kept me going.
“Titles, every player dreams about titles and I’m young. I still have plans to win a lot of championships, and what better team to do it with than Chippa.”
The Chilli Boys are under pressure after a disastrous 2016/17 season. They are preparing for their third game of the season against motivated Baroka FC at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on September 12.
@PedroMapelo