Vries moves to 'Glamour Boys'

LIMBA MUPETAMIA year ago no premiership team wanted to touch Virgil Vries, but today he is on the books of South Africa's 'Glamour Boys' - Kaizer Chiefs.The Namibian goalkeeper is flying high and will be competing for the top spot at Chiefs against first-choice Itumeleng Khune. The 29-year-old Vries is a replacement for Brilliant Khuzwayo, who has joined rivals Orlando Pirates.Khuzwayo's exit was Vries' golden ticket, as he was down and out when he parted ways with Maritzburg United after five seasons with the club.No one wanted to touch him. But with hard work and patience, his future is back on track, with the help of his agent.“I always tell my players the truth; I told him there was no club interested. When I met with Baroka chairman Khurishi Mphahlele and the club CEO Morgan Mamilla, they were still not convinced,” Jazzman Mahlakgane, Vries' agent, told Sowetan about his move to Baroka FC in July last year.“It was a big battle because they were still not convinced. I remember at some point the deal was off.“But I asked them to give him just six months and when they won the Premiership Q-Innovation One, he was one of the players that helped them.”Vries stayed with Baroka for one season, but Chiefs stepped in and snapped him up when it emerged he was not staying with Baroka.Mahlakgane has always held the firm belief that Vries is capable of playing at the highest level and that he can challenge Chiefs' number one, Khune.Football manager Bobby Motaung told the club's official website: “After Khuzwayo left, we wanted to get a seasoned goalkeeper to assist Itumeleng Khune.”His time at Chiefs will not be easy, as Amakhosi fans are hurting after an unprecedented three straight years without silverware, and as a result are taking their frustrations out on the players.Vries hopes to be a part of the solution, along with his fellow new signings at the club.“I want to be part of a squad that will bring back the glory days, because one day in the future I want to sit in a chair and reflect, 'That's what we achieved'. I want to be remembered for being part of a great Amakhosi squad,” Vries told the club's website. “The team will work hard and put a smile on your face. We know that the three years of trophy drought was not easy. Please come out in your numbers to support us. We will make you happy; it's going to be a good season,” he said.Many fans in Namibia congratulated the player and sent him their best wishes on social media. “Congratulations and give it your best,” said Joel Ivers Mzanima.Flo Faith also congratulated Vries. “Congratulations and God bless you. You are going to be part of the first 11.”The Glamour Boys are still seeking a successor to coach Steve Komphela, who quit the club in April, amid heavy hostility from the fans.Vries is not the only Namibian making strides in South Africa. Some of the names making rounds are that of Riaan Hanamub, a recent signing for Jomo Cosmos, a national first division side. Hanamub is a powerful runner who has the confidence to overlap from the back and create goals for his teammates. He was previously signed to Orlando Pirates locally. “Signing for Cosmos gives me exposure. I will grow as a footballer and will pick up experience. My aim is to do well so that PSL teams chase me,” said Hanamub.Another player who is eager to impress is Ananias Gebhard, who recently left Jomo Cosmos for Baroka. Gebhard was signed by Cosmos in 2016, and played an instrumental role in the team under Jomo Sono's leadership.Peter Shalulile from Highlands Park scooped both the Golden Boot and Players' Player of the Year accolades earlier this year for the South African first division.Willem Mwedihanga is also a name worth mentioning. The no-nonsense defender plays for relegated Platinum Stars. He was previously on the books of the University of Pretoria.Ronald Ketjijere was also enjoying playing for the university team, but last year gave up club football to become a lawyer. He, however, still captains the Brave Warriors.Denzil Haoseb and Hendrik Somaeb (Jomo Cosmos), Benson Shilongo and Wangu Gome (Platinum Stars), Henrico Botes (University of Pretoria), Mohammed Ouseb and Robert Nauseb (Kaizer Chiefs) are also among the Namibians who have rubbed shoulders with the best players in South Africa and from around the continent. -Additional reporting by Sowetan/Kickoff

Vries moves to 'Glamour Boys'

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Namibian Sun 2025-01-31

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Vries moves to 'Glamour Boys'

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Namibian Sun 2025-01-31

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