Kaizer Chiefs new boy Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko backed to shine by ex-Azam team-mate James Akaminko

Kaizer Chiefs’ latest signing Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko has been described as a “functional and mature midfielder” who can make an immediate impact at Naturena, according to his former Azam team-mate James Akaminko.

The Tanzanian midfielder has joined Chiefs on a two-year deal, with an option for a third season, after leaving Azam in the Tanzanian Premier League, having also previously spent time playing in Iceland.

His move adds to the small but growing number of players from Tanzania who have tested themselves in the Premier Soccer League, a switch that is expected to attract close attention from fans in the East African country.

Ghanaian midfielder Akaminko, who shared Azam’s engine room with Bitegeko for two-and-a-half years, believes Chiefs have recruited a player ready to influence games in the PSL.

“Chiefs have found a functional and mature midfielder who will make a difference for them,” Akaminko told Soccer Laduma.

Leadership and character

Akaminko says Bitegeko’s influence at Azam extended beyond his technical qualities, highlighting his leadership and personality within the dressing room.

“Besides being a good player, he knows how to communicate both on and off the field and is a leader which explains why he was in the captains committee at Azam,” he said.

“For all the time I played with him, he never had issues with anyone.

“I enjoyed my time playing with him because he is a matured guy.

“I communicated well with him because he is a good listener and makes the job easier.

“Such is his discipline that you will never hear any negatives about him.

“With every training session he is always early and was never late or absent.”

Injury setback and recovery

Bitegeko’s final season at Azam was disrupted by injury, and Akaminko acknowledges that the setback affected his rhythm before he eventually rediscovered his form.

“Last season, he had an injury which disturbed him and when he came back, he struggled a bit before he ultimately got going again,” he explained.

Despite that period out, Akaminko is convinced the midfielder has the temperament to adapt quickly to life at Kaizer Chiefs.

“My biggest hope is that he finds his feet quickly at Chiefs,” he said.

Tactical profile: a ‘number six’ with range

Akaminko outlined Bitegeko’s tactical role and attributes, describing him as a player capable of handling both defensive and offensive responsibilities in central midfield.

“From what he can do on the field, he has an eye for a pass and can defend and tackle,” he said.

“He is a pivot and pivotal player, and plays as a number six capable of defending and attacking.

“When I played with him, we would at times play as a double pivot, when he goes, I would stay and when I stay, he goes forward.

“His game shows that he has played in Europe before,” added Akaminko, referring to Bitegeko’s spell in Iceland.

Desire for a new challenge

Akaminko also revealed that Bitegeko had hinted at a transfer shortly before his move to Chiefs was made public, although he did not disclose the destination at the time.

“When we spoke four days before he was announced at Chiefs, he told me that he needed a change and had something relating to a transfer, but I didn’t know that it is Kaizer Chiefs,” Akaminko said.

With his move to one of South Africa’s biggest clubs now confirmed, Bitegeko will be aiming to justify that decision and live up to the endorsement from a midfielder who knows his game well.