Chiefs close in on Ndlovu deal

Chiefs close in on Ndlovu deal

ZIMBABWE skipper Peter Ndlovu

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• Ndlovu show the exit at Sheffield United

By Agencies

WARRIORS captain Peter Ndlovu, off-loaded by English First Division side Sheffield United, is set to join South African champions Kaizer Chiefs, in a move that has been kept a closely guided secret by his manager, it emerged this week.

Ndlovu, who was reported to be heading for Sundowns last month, is now destined for Naturena after investigations revealed that his manager Winston Makamure was close to signing a lucrative deal with the glamorous Johannesburg side who have landed their first title in 12 years.

However, Chiefs' manager Bobby Motaung remained non-commital about the impending move, saying he knew nothing about the former Coventry City star's link to Chiefs.

Makamure, who has managed the former Highlanders' striker since his move to Coventry, also refused to delve into the issue, which has been widely reported in Zimbabwe.

During the Warriors' camp in Harare before their departure for Kigali on Thursday, Ndlovu was on the phone to Makamure, purportedly discussing the impending move.

They were discussing the deal, in which Makamure said he had the "guy from Chiefs on the phone" and wanted some assurance from the player before discussing anything concrete.

Sundowns, who of late are said to have also expressed interest in Ndlovu after news that he was on the market, are said to have taken a back seat.

Meanwhile, Chiefs are confident of overtaking Sundowns in the Telkom Charity Spectacular voting charts - despite trailing leaders Sundowns by almost 10 000 votes. The league champs have so far amassed 20 609 votes, while Sundowns top the chart with 30 028 votes.

However, Motaung is optimistic that his club will assume the lead in the coming days. "It is still early days and, as is our tradition, we'll shoot to the top very soon because our supporters are still on honeymoon following our victory in the league championship."

Orlando Pirates are third with 19 427 votes, while Black Leopards have jumped to fourth place with 12 551 votes.

Absa Cup champions Moroka Swallows are now fixth, having registered 6 049 votes, while Silver Stars are sixth with 361 votes.

Ajax Cape Town and Dynamos are seventh and eighth respectively with 265 and 247 votes.
City Press
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