‘Don’t sign with Pirates, they are hijacking our deal’ – ex-Bucs striker on what Bobby told him
The former Free State Stars striker said he arrived at Parktown to sign a contract with Pirates but Bobby Motaung kept calling.
Former Orlando Pirates striker Jimmy Kauleza has revealed how Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung tried to block him from joining the Buccaneers.
The 46-year-old former footballer spent three years with Pirates before moving back to Free State Stars in 2005. Speaking to Kick-Off, Kauleza revealed how he joined the Sea Robbers despite Chiefs’ interest. The former Pirates striker said he both spoke to Bobby and Irvin Khoza before making a final decision.
“We were in training when the late Free State Stars chairman Bra Mike Mokena showed up at training,” Kauleza said. “He informed us that he had sold the club. The late Pirates official Bra Phil Setshedi was there in our training watching from a distance.
Ex-Pirates striker reveals phone call with Bobby Motaung
“The Mr Mokoena said to us, ‘Jimmy, Goodman Mazibuko, Hleza Mofedi and Michael Babale, Bra Phil is here to see you guys. Orlando Pirates want to sign all four of you’.I was surprised.
“The same day, while on our way to Johannesburg with Bra Phil, I received a call from Bobby Motaung,” said the former Pirates striker.
“He told me not to sign with Pirates as they were looking to sign me and David Radebe. He(Bobby) said,’ hey bro, get out of that car, we will come and fetch you. Don’t sign with Pirates, they are hijacking our deal’.
Bra Phil asked me,’ Who are you talking to now? is it Bobby?’ I didn’t know what to tell him.”
The former Free State Stars striker said he arrived at Parktown to sign a contract with Pirates but Bobby Motaung kept calling.
“I was with the chairman Irvin Khoza, Zodwa Khoza and this other white guy who used to be responsible for finances at Pirates.I refused to sign the contract. The money they were offering was too little,” Kauleza said.
“I was upset. Mike Makaab, who was not even my agent tried to convince me to sign but I refused. The Bra Phil calmed me down and asked me to sleep at his house. While sleeping, I received another call from Bobby, said the former Orlando Pirates striker.
“He asked if I signed and I said no, I couldn’t do it because of what Pirates were offering.”
Kauleza said he went back to Qwa-Qwa to wait to hear back from Bobby but the Chiefs boss never called back and the striker eventually signed with Pirates.