How project of awakening sleeping giant drew Inácio Miguel to Chiefs

Bling earrings, clean short haircut and moustache — new Kaizer Chiefs defender Inácio Miguel resembles a member of a boy band. 

Behind the rock star appearance lies a steely and experienced Angolan central defender who was drawn to Naturena by the mammoth revival project the club is embarking on. 

It is a glaring, much-talked about fact that Amakhosi have completed nine years without laying their hands on major silverware and Miguel wants to be part of the generation of Chiefs players who have the daunting task of bringing back the glory days. 

Chiefs are well stocked in central defence where competition is fierce with players such as Rushwin Dortley, Spiwe Msimango, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Edmilson Dove and Aden McCarthy available. 

Dortley has been impressive at centreback for Bafana and is expected to start in the opening match of the Betway Premiership against Marumo Gallants at Free State Stadium on Saturday. 

It’s possible coach Nasreddine Nabi may pair Dortley with Miguel in the heart of the defence and the Angolan said he will give everything for his teammates in battle this season. 

Chiefs, who finished outside the top eight last season, have a task to re-establish themselves among consistent title contenders and Miguel said this is the challenge that made him to join the club. 

“Basically, it was the project that Kaizer Motaung Jnr spoke to me about that made me to join the club because they want to do something big in the future,” he said from Naturena as they prepared for the trip to Bloemfontein to open the campaign with Gallants. 

“I won everything at Petro de Luanda during the two years I was there. I needed a new challenge and there is nothing better than giants like Kaizer Chiefs where I have an opportunity to start something new and different.” 

When the opportunity presented itself, Miguel jumped at it without blinking an eye. 

“I didn’t think twice, Chiefs is one of the biggest clubs in South Africa and in Africa. I knew I needed a new challenge in my career and there was no better club to go to and try to do something different than Chiefs. 

“Hugo Marques [former Cape Town City goalkeeper who is now at Petro de Luanda] also ‘forced’ me to move here and I am happy about the move.” 

Miguel was reminded about the drought at Naturena, but he did not want to dwell on the past he was not part of. 

“We cannot focus on the past, because if we do that we will not achieve anything different. Our focus must go into the future and that’s what makes me to be here. I understand the club wants to do something different to what they have done over the past few years.” 

To those who are wondering what type of player he is, Miguel said they must come to the Free State Stadium on Saturday and for remainder of the season to see for themselves. 

“They must come to the stadium and see for themselves what I can do, it is not a good thing to talk about myself. One thing about me is that I put maximum effort in games and in every training session.” 

Being in a new environment, Miguel said he has been impressed with the quality of players at the club. 

“What I have seen in the two weeks since I have been here is that I am talented compared to my teammates. South African players are talented technically, I am different because I am a hard worker and I put in more effort.

“My best quality is being a teammate who gives effort in everything that I do. All the players are technically talented, and for example, a player like Ashley du Preez is interesting.

“I also like Samkelo Zwane because he is comfortable on the ball, Yusuf Maart is a leader and Ranga Chivaviro upfront is strong and I will learn a lot from them because they have been here,” he said thanking the supporters for the warm welcome and acknowledging it is going to be a tough season. 

“I appreciate all the messages and the love they have given me, it is going to be a long season and we have to stick together. I hope they come to the stadium and continue to support the team for the rest of the season. 

“The most important thing is to stick together and try to give us the motivation to continue working for them. We will do our part every day at training and during games to make them happy.” 

Whatever happens during the season, Chiefs fans can expect a rock star performance from Miguel.