Mokwana’s Kaizer Chiefs dream fulfilled, says former mentor

Sfiso ‘Shakes’ Kabini says Elias Mokwana’s ambition to play for Kaizer Chiefs was greater than his desire to join Esperance, after the Bafana Bafana international completed a move to Amakhosi.

Mokwana was unveiled by Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday after signing a three-year contract, according to KickOff sources.

Kabini, the founder of the Shakes Rotating Tournament in KwaNdebele, helped discover and scout Mokwana while working as team manager at Platinum City Rovers in the North West stream of the ABC Motsepe League.

He says Mokwana’s desire to represent Kaizer Chiefs began long before his move to Tunisia.

“When I discovered Mokwana, he was still under 21 [years of age]. He is from Sun City AA here in KwaNdebele. He has always been disciplined and hardworking,” Kabini told KickOff.

“Mokwana is a Chiefs fan.

“Even when he was at Rovers, his greatest wish was to play for Chiefs. So, even when he left for Esperance in Tunisia, his heart was with Chiefs. He wanted to join Chiefs more than Esperance.

“However, as you know, agents will always choose money over everything else.”

Mokwana spent time at Esperance before joining the former Sekhukhune United star in making the switch to Kaizer Chiefs. Kabini believes that experience will help him cope with the expectations surrounding the club.

“Having played for clubs such as Esperance, I believe he is accustomed to pressure, as they regularly play in front of large crowds,” he said.

“If the Chiefs coach allows him to express his individual ability, Mokwana can perform well at the club. If he is allowed to take on opponents, he will create space for the Chiefs strikers.”

Kabini identified Mokwana’s pace as his main strength and compared him with Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman, who also depend on speed in their play.

“His strength is his speed. He is similar to players such as Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman, who also rely on their pace,” he added.

The former Platinum City Rovers team manager hopes Mokwana’s move will lead to a return to the Bafana Bafana squad before another opportunity overseas.

“My wish is to see him do well at Chiefs, return to Bafana Bafana, and then go back overseas,” Kabini said.

“On behalf of the Shakes Rotating Tournament, we wish him all the best.”