Photo: Football 411
There was a mix of emotions on Sunday afternoon when Kaizer Chiefs confirmed that they have parted ways with Tinashe Nengomashe. It is believed that Nengomasha, who spent almost 11 years with Chiefs, will be joining Bidvest Wits.
Fondly known by “The General” by his supporters, Nengomasha joined Chiefs in 2002 and won numerous cups with the team. Chiefs executive chairman, Kaizer Senior Motaung paid a glowing tribute to him yesterday. Nengomasha said he thanks the club for giving him an opportunity. “I would also like to thank the fans in the manner in which they welcomed me to the Club. I will always have good memories of the time I have spent at Naturena. We fought so many battles together and the fans were always behind the Club”, he said.
During the Club’s Players Awards in May, Nengomasha walked tall as he was honoured with a prestigious award, the Chairman’s Special Award by the Kaizer Chiefs executive chairman Kaizer Senior Motaung. Nengomasha said he learnt a lot from the likes of Patrick Mabedi, Brian Baloyi, Cyril Nzama and each and every player that he has played with.
He added, “I thank them for the contribution they have made in my life. I cannot single out any moment as the highlight during my 11 year stay with the Club. I enjoyed each and every minute I put that Kaizer Chiefs jersey on, coming to training and meeting the fans on the streets”.
Motaung Senior expressed himself by saying he would like to thank Nengomasha for the contribution he has made to the club since joining them as a youngster back in 2002. “From thefirst day he came to the club, Nengomasha was someone you knew you could trust and would never let you down on the pitch”, Motaung said.
According to Motaung, Nengomasha always carried himself as a professional and his dedication on the pitch was second to none. “He was a fighter and earned respect not only from his team mates but his peers in the Premier League and fans alike”, he said.
Moutaung said parting ways is not always easy but all good things do come to an end. “Change alone always comes with mixed feelings, but we are very confident that Nangomasha will succeed wherever he goes to continue with his career. He was a great servant for the Club and we will forever cherish the years he spent with us and we would like to wish him all the best in his new endeavours”, concluded Motaung.
Nengomasha added by saying he also wishes the Club and new players all the best in the new season. He said he knows they will take the club back to where it belongs. Nengomasha, who in the past decade made the number 8 jersey his own, won the PSL Players’ Player of the Year back in 2003/2004 season. He was also part of the team that won the Coca Cola Cup, SAA Supa8, Absa Cup, Telkom Knockout (three times) and the League title (twice).
