End of marriage made in heaven

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday February 8, 2008 00:00

Kareng first joined Chiefs in 1997 from Mogoditshane Fighters. The central defender has been one of the most reliable servants of the Kgatleng giants. His departure from Chiefs' camp has shocked many supporters. Youngsters at the club see him as a 'father figure'. Though the move to GU is surprising, Mmegi Sport has learnt that Kareng left after he got a good offer from the Reds.

He made his debut for GU on Tuesday night in a 1-1 draw with BDF XI at UB Stadium. This season he has seen little first team action at Chiefs because of the arrival of central defenders Given Mpundu and Gobonyeone 'Shoes' Selefa.

But on Tuesday, he had a good game at the heart of the Reds' rearguard. He guided the likes of Branco Molokwane and Booster Magola and frustrated BDF XI forwards for most part of the game until Matebele got a late equaliser through Patrick Motsepe.

Kareng told Mmegi Sport yesterday that though it was difficult to leave Magosi, he had no choice after he got a better deal from GU.

'I considered that Chiefs were on the verge of winning the league title but it was my future at stake, hence the move. I am not growing any younger and my future is at stake,' said Kareng.

He added that he still wanted to play football hence his move to GU. 'The environment at GU is fine but I had to adjust as they are completely different from Chiefs,' he said. Kareng pleaded with Chiefs' supporters to understand that in football, people meet and then part ways and his case is not different.

'I am a Chiefs' supporter at heart. Do not rule out a return to Chiefs. They will always remain close to my heart,' he said.

Chiefs' communications officer Clifford Mogomotsi said that it was regrettable to lose a player of Kareng's calibre but there was little they could do. 'He wanted to leave since he was not playing. Unfortunately, it is the coach who picks the team not the management and we could not stand in his way,' he said. On Tuesday, former Chiefs' workhorse Aaron Kale and Molatedi Mabina from Uniao Flamengo Santos made their debut for GU. The presence of the new players seemed to have ignited the Reds and if they improve on their play against BDF XI, things look promising.