Kaizer Chiefs urged to sign Orlando Pirates ‘legend’

Junior Khanye has chimed in again with his opinion that Kaizer Chiefs should sign a man Orlando Pirates deemed surplus to requirements.

Khanye urges Chiefs to sign Kermit Erasmus

“I’d love to see him signing for Kaizer Chiefs,” Khanye said on iDiski TV.

“I do believe Kaizer Chiefs can offer something. But Chiefs might not want to because they might look at his age because in South Africa, once you are 34, 35, they label you that you can’t play anymore.

“I don’t understand where this comes from because there are top players who are still playing for their countries at 36, 37 and they are still scoring.

“Ronaldo scored two goals now for Portugal. He is 38 turning 39, the same age as me, but he is still wearing the armband for Portugal and scoring.

“So why not Kermit at the age of 34 [33]? For me, he is still good enough to play for Kaizer Chiefs. I think Chiefs should sign him as well,” Khanye concluded.

Orlando Pirates regard Kermit as a legend, but is he one?

“Kermit rejoined the Buccaneers in 2022 after nine years away and made an immediate impact by helping us clinch the MTN8 title. With over 117 matches under his belt in Pirates colours, Romeo, has solidified his legendary status at the club,” Orlando Pirates said.

According to transfermarkt.com, Erasmus’ market value peaked in 2016 when he was with Stade Rennais in France’s Ligue 1. World Soccer Magazine named Erasmus one of the 50 most talented young players in world football in a piece titled “The 50 most exciting teenagers on the planet” in 2007. That list included Karim Benzema, Sergio Aguero, Angel di Maria, Gareth Bale and Alexandre Pato. Kermit has represented 11 clubs across five countries throughout his career. That’s impressive, in a way, but also indicates that he never quite settled and called one club home for an extended spell. His second stint with Pirates was a forgettable one, hampered by injuries and a lack of consistency.

Orlando Pirates star Kermit Erasmus prods Mamelodi Sundowns fans at Peter Mokaba Stadium. Image: @iDiskiTimes / Twitter.

Pirates cut their wage costs

Orlando Pirates have released Kermit Erasmus, Fortune Makaringe, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Richard Ofori and Thabang Monare. At least three of those could be regarded as fan favourites, and more could follow them out the door according to SoccerLaduma. Deon Hotto’s R6 million annual salary could also be scrapped from their balance sheet.

“The people in the office are working hard on that list of players who will be leaving the team. It’s not an easy one but there will be an overhaul at the end of the season. Most of the players whose contracts are coming to an end won’t be renewed as the club is looking at bringing in new blood as well. As far as I am concerned most of those whose contracts were reviewed last season for one season won’t be staying. It will be like a total clear out,” said their source.

Irvin Khoza. Image: TSA

Would you find space in the Chiefs squad for Kermit?

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