Kaizer Chiefs new signing James Kotei has opened up about his recent transfer to the Soweto giants.
The Ghanaian midfielder joined Amakhosi from Tanzanian side Simba FC after putting pen to paper on a three-year contract at Chiefs.
Speaking about his experiences throughout his career before arriving at Amakhosi, Kotei said: ‘I started my career at early age, I think I was nine years old when I played for Corner Babies FC and then proceeded to Juvenile Cornerstone in Kumasi,’ Kotei told his club’s official website.
‘I moved to Accra to play at Golden Foot Academy, which is a well-known academy in Ghana, coached by the legendary Mohammed Ahmed Polo.’
‘I then joined Liberty Professionals in Dansoman, where they used to call me Lampard, taken from the legendary English footballer Frank Lampard.
‘The supporters gave me the nickname because I was tough and brilliant when it came to shooting from a distance.’
The Ghanaian star added: ‘I move to Oman to join the country’s professional league. I was there for a year, playing for Al-Oruba FC. I was then scouted to play for Simba S.C in Tanzania.
‘I will not forget the performance I gave against Al-Ahly in the Champions League this year. We beat them 1-0 in Tanzania. I was rated high on the GPS review.’
Kotei revealed that he did not know that he was on Amakhosi’s radar until his former club Simba FC informed him about their interest.
‘I received a call from Simba’s club boss himself,’ he added.
‘He told me that Kaizer Chiefs from South Africa were interested in my services. Thereafter the coach called me, and we had a discussion. He asked me several questions and gave me his go ahead.
‘There is huge talent here at Chiefs. I am impressed with the set up because we are a family here and I look forward to contributing. After the hectic season in Tanzania, I didn’t get a chance to rest. I must fight to get into the team. I am here to play my part and truly excited to be here.’
The Ghanaian midfielder will be hoping to make his mark at the club and help his new club end their four-year trophy drought.
‘I feel bad that this massive club has not won trophies recently.
‘I arrived in Tanzania in 2016, Simba had not won anything for four years, and we won the league and the FA Cup the same year. By the grace of God, I hope to win trophies and for Chiefs to return to winning ways.
‘Back home people wished me luck. This is a big break for me, and people back home asked me to make them proud.
‘I wish to ask Amakhosi supporters to pray for me to do well,’ Kotei concluded, ‘It is not about me, we are a family, but one thing for sure I am here to fight for Chiefs.’
