Nkatha unveiled as a SuperSport player

JOHANNESBURG - SuperSport United yesterday unveiled Zimbabwe international striker, Kingston Nkhatha, who joins the club at the same time as Jeremy Brockie. Nkhatha joins from Kaizer Chiefs, having originally signed a pre-contract, but was then allowed to leave earlier.

He is joined by New Zealand international Brockie, who arrives from Wellington Pheonix.

SuperSport have also captured Polokwane City's Mothusi Gopane and Luvolwethu Mpeta of Platinum Stars on pre-contracts.

Nkhatha insists his decision to move to SuperSport United was influenced by a desire to secure his future rather than the criticism he took from Kaizer Chiefs fans.

"As a footballer you need to know where your future is," he said.

"I mean, when someone comes with a three-year deal and the other comes with a one-year deal, what would you do?  You will obviously choose the three-year deal because you will be securing your future.

"So my decision was based on that . . . securing my future. It is not like I ran away from pressure because for me each and every game I played for Chiefs there was pressure, but I kept on doing what the coach asked of me.

"Joining SuperSport had nothing to do with being booed, but rather securing my future because I am also a normal human being with a life to live and family to take care of. I have to plan my life and secure my future.

"If Chiefs had offered me a contract that secured my future then I would have stayed. I cannot blame the Chiefs fans because they always expect more from everyone who plays for Chiefs.

"It was always going to be difficult for me to leave a club where I have contributed towards the run of 18 games unbeaten, but in the end I had to secure my future. This was more about securing my future.

"I had to sit down with my family and discuss the offer from Chiefs and SuperSport. My family then said take your own decision and in the end I had to take the SuperSport decision to secure my future before anything else."

The Zimbabwean forward said he did not flee the boo boys.

"Chiefs have done good things for me. When I was booed by the supporters the management was there to assure me that this will pass and I need to stay strong," Nkhatha said.

"I really didn't want to leave Chiefs but when the news of a contract was not coming up, and United showed all the signs of wanting me, I knew I had to make a move."

Chiefs went on to accuse the 29-year-old of signing with the Tshwane side behind their backs.

"I was shocked to learn that I could join United with immediate effect. I really didn't think that things could go so sour in a team where I gave my all — but this is football."

Nkhatha said he had been given no guarantees from Chiefs that they would make him a new offer and he had to secure his future.

Nkhatha held no grudges and felt happy for Chiefs who would surely go on to clinch the Premiership title.

"The first round was special as we were unbeaten in the league. It was a team effort and I don't see Sundowns catching up with Chiefs even though they have a game in hand."

Meanwhile, Matsatsantsa had a poor first half of the season, closing the year out in 11th place. Nkhatha said he was looking forward to the challenge of helping United finish in the top eight by the end of the season.

"I want to win things with United and I know we will start doing well. I have been warmly received and I am waiting for the league to resume, itching for action."

SuperSport United coach Gordon Igesund said he was excited to have signed a "quality player."

"I am thrilled to have him now, he's going to add huge value to the team with his high work-rate. He is a quality player!" says Igesund.