Kaizer Chiefs will be getting a ‘real deal’ in Phathutshedzo Nange

Phathutshedzo Nange’s delayed move to Kaizer Chiefs may have upset a section of their fans but the Soweto giants will be getting a real deal.

On Wednesday, Nange denied Mamelodi Sundowns a straight win with a stoppage-time strike in the Last 32 of the Nedbank Cup match in Tshwane to force the game into extra time.

He was ultimately on the losing side as the Brazilians walked away 3-2 winners after extra time, thanks to Peter Shalulile’s late goal.

Amakhosi failed to secure Nange’s signature at the start of the campaign after failing in their attempts to have the transfer ban overturned.

The advantages are that Nange was a free agent and understands exactly what Gavin Hunt wants from his players.

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The midfielder had already begun training with the Soweto giants alongside S’fiso Hlanti whom he played with at the now-defunct Bidvest Wits.

After realizing that his dream of playing for Chiefs couldn’t come true, the 29-year-old signed a one-year contract with Stellenbosch FC to hold out for a move to Naturena.

And he is yet to disappoint under the tutelage of Steve Barker, and it’s clear that Hunt will be spoiled for choice in midfield when the move finally happens next term.

It is no secret that Hunt is a big of Nange’s playing style and given Amakhosi’s well-documented struggles in midfield this season, Hunt is expected to complete the midfielder’s signing once the current season is done and dusted.

As things stand, Amakhosi have had to use different players in central midfield, including the likes of Daniel Cardoso, Willard Katsande, and Kearyn Baccus, and the results haven’t forthcoming on a consistent basis.

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Hunt admitted in his latest interview that the defence and midfield are the two areas of focus for his technical team – more so because they have conceded too many goals and scored less.

Chiefs have also not managed to replace George Maluleka who left them for Sundowns last season.

But in Nange, they will have someone who’s effective both defensively and offensively – something the former Black Leopards man has done brilliantly for Stellies, scoring three goals and registering two assists in 12 competitive matches this term.

Hunt is yet to find a midfielder who can do as much work as Nange in his current squad, and that alone has been frustrating for him on the touchline.