Valery Nahayo, a former defender for Kaizer Chiefs, recently revealed how he came close to joining Mamelodi Sundowns but ultimately chose to play for Chiefs instead. His decision was influenced by a lack of enthusiasm during negotiations with Sundowns and a stronger connection to the Amakhosi.
Nahayo, a Burundi international, had spent four years at Jomo Cosmos before attracting interest from the country’s top clubs. In the 2008/09 transfer window, he signed with Chiefs, but the path could have led him to Sundowns.
Before committing to Chiefs, Nahayo visited Sundowns to negotiate a contract. However, despite their interest, he didn’t feel welcome at Chloorkop. He recalled, “My heart was not even at Sundowns even though I went there to hear what they had to say and see what was happening.” The atmosphere and interactions at Sundowns left him uninspired, and he sensed that he wasn’t a priority for the club.
In contrast, Nahayo felt a warmer reception from Chiefs. After speaking with Chiefs’ official Bobby Motaung, he decided to join the Glamour Boys. Interestingly, Nahayo signed the contract with Chiefs before even informing Jomo Sono of his decision. Eventually, Sono accepted the move, and Nahayo became part of the Chiefs squad.
Despite his initial desire to play for Chiefs, Nahayo’s tenure with the club was relatively short. He made 51 appearances, received 15 yellow cards, and won three trophies before moving on to play football in Belgium.
In summary, Valery Nahayo’s journey from Jomo Cosmos to Chiefs highlights the importance of feeling valued and welcomed by a club, ultimately influencing a player’s career choices