kaizer chiefs transfer news

Lorenzo Gordinho of Kaizer Chiefs during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on 30 January 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix.

Lorenzo Gordinho exits Kaizer Chiefs, joins Bidvest Wits

Defender Lorenzo Gordinho became one of two confirmed Kaizer Chiefs exits on Tuesday, as he joins Bidvest Wits on a two and a half-year deal,

kaizer chiefs transfer news

Lorenzo Gordinho of Kaizer Chiefs during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on 30 January 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix.

Kaizer Chiefs have parted ways with defender Lorenzo Gordinho, who is on his way across town to Johannesburg rivals, Bidvest Wits.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed minimal game time under coach Ernst Middendorp and was said to be seeking a loan move away from Naturena.

Kaizer Chiefs confirm player exits

According to official communication from Amakhosi, he has found a new home in Gavin Hunt’s side, who have signed him on a two and a half year deal, which will have him at the club until June 2022.

This was after managing just eight competitive appearances under the German mentor, who arrived just before his return from a loan stint at Bloemfontein Celtic.

Gordinho made the last of his five league appearances in the current season in November, coming in as a late sub in the 2-0 win over Chippa United in Port Elizabeth, where he had an eight-minute run.

The 25-year-old leaves the club along with Ghanaian midfielder James Kotei, whose contract was terminated by mutual agreement without him kicking a ball in anger.

Game-time a factor for departing duo

Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung admitted that lack of game time played a role in both players’ exits.

He told the club’s website that the split with Kotei was amicable, as the player – who last featured in a pre-season friendly – “was not playing”.

Gordinho, on the other hand, is a Kaizer Chiefs youth product, whose decade-long involvement with the club had to come to an end as he sought greener pastures.

 “Lorenzo leaving us is a touchy one, especially as he has been for almost ten years with us, starting at our youth development. His challenge, however, was getting game-time,” Motaung said.

“We also didn’t want to block his career, as he got an opportunity to join another top club. We thank Lorenzo for his service to Kaizer Chiefs in all those years.”

Bobby Motaung

The duo become the second and the third player to leave Kaizer Chiefs in the January transfer window, with midfielder Kabelo Mahlasela the other one, after joining Polokwane City on loan earlier in the month.

Meanwhile, the Soweto giants have been linked with Kenyan international Anthony Akumu, who has recently been spotted at FNB Stadium, as well as Naturena, shortly after cutting ties with Zambian outfit, Zesco United.

Chiefs next take to the field on Saturday, when they travel to face Black Leopards.

They remain top of the league standings with a nine-point gap on their closest rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, who visit Orlando Pirates on Saturday.