‘Chiefs Didn’t Bring Him All The Way From

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 26: Nkanyiso Shinga of Kaizer Chiefs during the Toyota Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and Asante Kotoko

A former coach of Kaizer Chiefs defender Nkanyiso Shinga at the KZN Academy has opened up on how he was discovered before he got a dream move to Portugal as a teenager.

Shinga bypassed the professional ranks in the country, as he started playing professionally in Europe, after coming through the ranks at Vitoria Setubal U19s.

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The 25-year-old was on the verge of playing in the Liga Portugal for the first time after he helped Alverca to gain promotion last season.

However, Chiefs came calling for his signature just after the 2024/25 successful campaign, and Shinga opted for his first-time experience in the PSL with Amakhosi, rather than mix with the likes of Porto, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica in the Portuguese top flight.

Soccer Laduma spoke to KZN Academy Technical Co-ordinator Bayanda Mthembu, who was around during the humble beginnings of the Durban native left-wing back.

“With Shinga, we did open trials, and we found him. He was playing in the dusty streets of Hammarsdale (a township in KwaZulu-Natal). He kept growing and growing,” Mthembu told the Siya crew.

“A humble boy when he was here, from Umlazi, disciplined, no stories, nothing. No complaints, just trying to work and improve.

“What is happening with him now (not getting game time), I think it’s just a matter of getting an opportunity, so that everyone can see what he is capable of. He deserves at least one game so that everyone can see,” Mthembu said.

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“I’m sure they didn’t bring him all the way from Portugal without seeing anything. Sometimes in football you just have to wait for your time, if it comes it comes, if it doesn’t, you must stay focused and work.”

Mthembu went on and gave a glimpse of what Shinga has to offer to Amakhosi supporters.

“Quality left-back, very skilful going forward, combinations, getting into the box, taking the team to the box as quickly as possible, natural born player,” Mthembu said.

“Defensively strong also, I think with time, him getting an opportunity, fans are gonna be happy with what he has to offer,” Mthembu added.

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