HOW Popular radio DJ stole player away from Sundowns to Chiefs! 

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Valery Nahayo has relived how he almost joined Mamelodi Sundowns instead.

Chiefs used to be the most desirable teams to join in the country, but Sundowns is slowly taking over. 

In a transition that seems to be filtering down from the top, Sundowns are starting to beat Chiefs to top talent. This includes the best of the best in terms of senior players, as well as junior players. But back in their hay day their professionalism, state of the art Naturena facilities and trophy winning streak used to do all the talking. One player that was gripped by all of this was Nahayo. 

The Burundi international had arrived in South Africa to sign for Jomo Cosmos in 2004. He would spend four solid years at Ezinkosi, that would put him in the shop Window for the country’s big three. In the 2008/09 transfer window, Nahayo would end up signing for Chiefs, but he could’ve easily ended up at rivals, Sundowns.

Glen Lewis took Nahayo away from Sundowns

Speaking to KickOff.com Nahayo explains that it was actually popular radio personality DJ Glen Lewis who orchestrated the move. That, taking him away from the clutches of Sundowns and in the arms of Chiefs.

“What had happened was that the night before I went to Sundowns the next morning, I had a meeting with Bobby (Motaung) in Sandton. DJ Glen Lewis was managing Yeye, so he linked up with me via Yeye in doing the Chiefs deal. Yeye gave me the highlights of Chiefs interest and made me aware that Glen Lewis was going to call me. I then met Glen and we then met Bobby at Hilton Hotel. Bobby made me feel wanted because he even spoke about my family before the contract and flights back home.” Nahayo confirmed.

Ended up signing for Chiefs

In the end, Nahayo went on to snub Sundowns, Jomo Sono reluctantly selling him to Chiefs.