Siyabonga Sangweni: Former Orlando Pirates Captain Narrates How He Escaped Kaizer Chiefs At Night

• Siyabonga Sangweni was once in Kaizer Chiefs' youth system
• He left the Glamour Boys in 1999 due to the low allowance of R200
• He signed with Bongani FC, where he earned a significantly higher

Former Orlando Pirates captain, Siyabonga Sangweni, recently recounted his intriguing journey from the Kaizer Chiefs development program.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Siyabonga Sangweni Sports Complex in Dondotha, he shared some of the challenges and pivotal decisions that shaped his career.

In 1999, Sangweni was part of the Chiefs academy alongside notable names such as Jabu Mahlangu and Nhlanhla Kubheka.

Despite his potential, the meagre R200 monthly allowance for basic necessities was insufficient for the then-youngster who hailed from the rural area of Dondotha in KwaZulu Natal.

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Faced with financial strain, he left the club for Bongani FC, a Vodacom League team, which offered him R1,200—a significant increase that allowed him to support his family.

"The team that I was playing for fetched me from Chiefs Academy. In 1999, I was in the Chiefs academy but ran away. Bobby Motaung knows the story. The likes of Pule and Kubheka, we were in that team that was going to be promoted.," he said, as per Far Post.

He highlighted the stark contrast in the financial support offered by the two clubs, which ultimately drove his decision to leave. Sangweni's departure was strategic. He coordinated with Bongani, instructing them to pick him up under the cover of darkness.

"I told them to fetch me at night. They came and stole me," Sangweni said, as reported by The South African.

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His move surprised Chiefs, who woke up to find him gone. His next significant step was with Golden Arrows, where he continued to develop his skills.

Reflecting on his move to Pirates, Sangweni disclosed an unexpected twist. After a brief stint with Arrows, he re-signed with Chiefs in 2010 but soon found himself in discussions with the Buccaneers.

Major overhaul anticipated at Kaizer Chiefs

Sports Brief reported Chiefs could be witnessing a new era in the coming season, as reports indicated that no fewer than seven appointments would be made.

Molefi Nteski's appointment was criticised and was unpopular due to his lack of a positive track record.

Before he was appointed Chiefs senior team coach, he had never handled a professional side at that level.