Sports / Soccer
Karuru impresses in trial outing with Kaizer Chiefs
22 Jul 2014 at 03:15hrs | Views
KAIZER Chiefs look set to dip into. the Zimbabwean market for another sensation if they seal the deal with Ovidy Karuru, a speedy attacking midfielder who "could give them options", according to Warriors coach Ian Gorowa.
Karuru got tongues wagging on Sunday afternoon when he started for Amakhosi in their 4-2 preseason thriller against Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. The 25-year-old appears to be on trial at Naturena as Chiefs, who clammed up when asked for comment on their intentions, will confirm only tomorrow whether they have signed him.
Making it into the starting line-up in what is essentially the club's penultimate game before the new season begins next week is a huge indication of Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter's admiration for the player.
Gorowa, who probably knows Karuru better than his counterpart Baxter, having monitored the piayer following his appointment as Zimbabwe coach in July last year, reckons he could set the Absa Premiership scene alight.
He is cautious not to put too much pressure on the former French and Belgian league player.
"He's very exciting, I think. I would say he has the ability to play as a No 10 or on either wing as an attacking midfielder," said Gorowa.
"I think he has the experience as well, having played abroad in France and Belgium, and for me, his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. I don't want to be the one to say who Chiefs should buy, but he would add quality."
Karuru set up his countryman, Kingston Nkhatha, for the Glamour Boys' equaliser after Chippa had taken an early lead, but was replaced after half time.
Gorowa backed Karuru as a disciplined player with plenty of skill.
The man who captained the Warriors at the 2009 African Nations Championship in Cote d'lvoire has had to look for a new team after his contract with OH Leu-ven in Belgium expired. Perhaps it could have been renewed, but his reported fallout last year with then coach Ronny van Geneugden had led to fewer appearances.
Gorowa said he has never fallen out with the player and does not expect him to be a hothead.
Karuru got tongues wagging on Sunday afternoon when he started for Amakhosi in their 4-2 preseason thriller against Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. The 25-year-old appears to be on trial at Naturena as Chiefs, who clammed up when asked for comment on their intentions, will confirm only tomorrow whether they have signed him.
Making it into the starting line-up in what is essentially the club's penultimate game before the new season begins next week is a huge indication of Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter's admiration for the player.
Gorowa, who probably knows Karuru better than his counterpart Baxter, having monitored the piayer following his appointment as Zimbabwe coach in July last year, reckons he could set the Absa Premiership scene alight.
He is cautious not to put too much pressure on the former French and Belgian league player.
"I think he has the experience as well, having played abroad in France and Belgium, and for me, his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. I don't want to be the one to say who Chiefs should buy, but he would add quality."
Karuru set up his countryman, Kingston Nkhatha, for the Glamour Boys' equaliser after Chippa had taken an early lead, but was replaced after half time.
Gorowa backed Karuru as a disciplined player with plenty of skill.
The man who captained the Warriors at the 2009 African Nations Championship in Cote d'lvoire has had to look for a new team after his contract with OH Leu-ven in Belgium expired. Perhaps it could have been renewed, but his reported fallout last year with then coach Ronny van Geneugden had led to fewer appearances.
Gorowa said he has never fallen out with the player and does not expect him to be a hothead.
Source - SportsDay
