PLAYER PROFILE: Meet Kaizer Chiefs’ new R9.6 million striker
All you need to know about Congolese star Makabi Glody Lilepo.
Kaizer Chiefs are on the brink of capturing two brand-new strikers. What do you know about Glody Lilepo?
Meet Kaizer Chiefs’ latest striker, Makabi Lilepo
Makabi Glody Lilepo is a 27-year-old Congolese striker who’s most comfortable operating in the wide right channel. Under the legendary Florent Ibenge, Lilepo bagged five goals in 10 Caf Champions League outings although Lilepo’s move to France’s Ligue 1 resulted in relegation in his first campaign there.
Valenciennes will do business with offers in the region of €500,00 or R9.6 million. Lilepo has seven goals and five assists in 46 games across all competitions for his current employers and a single goal from 11 caps for DR Congo. The player has reportedly agreed on personal terms with Chiefs, while third-tier French outfit Valenciennes face financial difficulties and pressure to sell their assets.
Lilepo’s journey so far
Makabi Glody Lilepo has played his club football in all sorts of interesting locations. Born in Kinshasa, Lilepo started with AS Vita Club in his home country. The next stop was Mbabane Swallows in Eswatini after which he returned to AS Vita Club and bounced between spells with them and FC Renaissance in DR Congo. Next up was Al-Hilal in Sudan. His first move outside of Africa came in September 2023 when he swapped North Africa for Northern France, a move valued at €478k (R9.2 million).
Chiefs promote DDC star Hlongwane
Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly handed a three-year contract to teenage DDC striker Naledi Hlongwane. The youngster starred in a recent All-Stars game and has impressed enough to get a jersey number with the Glamour Boys. In an interview after his goal-scoring heroics for the All Stars side in the Carling Black Label Cup in December, Hlongwane gave some props to Mfudo Vilakazi, another player who’s come through the Naturena ranks.
Will Lilepo be a success at Chiefs or is this a considerably risky move for the board?
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