Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Anthony Akumu has opened up about the financial package that attracted him to South Africa, describing his move to Naturena as the most lucrative deal of his professional career.
The Kenyan midfielder may not have made the desired impact on the pitch, but his time with Amakhosi proved financially rewarding. Akumu has now disclosed details of the salary and additional payments he received during his spell with the Soweto giants.
Chiefs Offered Akumu a Huge Salary
Akumu said Kaizer Chiefs initially offered him a monthly salary of Ksh1.5 million, which was worth approximately R192,000 at the time.
The offer came when his contract with Zesco United in Zambia was approaching its conclusion. According to Akumu, Chiefs’ proposal was significantly more attractive than the improved offer he subsequently received from his Zambian club.
“Playing in South Africa still remains my most lucrative offer because they started with a monthly salary of Ksh1.5 million,” Akumu said, as reported by KickOff.
The midfielder explained that he had little difficulty deciding to accept the move once Chiefs presented their offer.
Zesco United Tried to Keep Him
Akumu revealed that Zesco United attempted to convince him to remain in Zambia after learning that he was considering a move to South Africa.
The Zambian club reportedly offered him Ksh500,000 per month in an effort to retain his services. However, that figure remained well below what Kaizer Chiefs were prepared to pay.
“When my contract was about to run out in Zambia, Kaizer Chiefs approached me with an offer I couldn’t refuse,” Akumu explained.
“When Zesco got wind of my intention to move, they offered me Ksh500,000 per month, but they still could not match what the South African club were offering, and so I had to leave.”
Akumu Also Received Annual Payments
The monthly salary was not the only financial benefit included in Akumu’s Chiefs deal.
The former Zesco United player said he was also entitled to an annual payment of Ksh8 million, equivalent to roughly R1 million at the time. The amount was divided into two separate instalments.
According to Akumu, half of the payment was made in February, with the remaining amount paid in September.
“Every year, I received Ksh8 million, half of which was paid in February and the other half in September,” he said.
Why the Payments Eventually Stopped
Akumu’s stay at Naturena did not extend through the entirety of the agreement.
Although he had initially expected to continue with Chiefs, the two parties eventually agreed to terminate their relationship in 2022, leaving several months remaining on the contract.
As a result, Akumu said the annual payment was made only twice before the agreement was brought to an early end.
“The money was paid only twice since by the third year, we agreed to part ways with months to go,” he added.
A Difficult Spell on the Pitch
While the financial terms of Akumu’s move were impressive, his performances for Kaizer Chiefs did not generate the same level of excitement.
He made 34 league appearances for Amakhosi but managed only two goals during his time at the club. His limited attacking output and inconsistent influence saw him become one of the foreign recruits who struggled to establish themselves at Naturena.
His spell ultimately ended without him becoming a regular standout in the Chiefs midfield.
Akumu Among Chiefs’ Underwhelming Foreign Signings
Akumu’s experience reflects a wider pattern involving several foreign players recruited by Kaizer Chiefs in recent seasons.
The club has also faced criticism over the performances of players such as Jasond Gonzalez and Christian Saile, who struggled to meet expectations during their respective periods at Naturena.
Chiefs have continued to search for overseas talent in an effort to strengthen their squad, although the success of those signings has varied considerably.
Chiefs’ Latest Foreign Recruitment
Kaizer Chiefs added another international player to their squad during the current season, signing Tanzanian midfielder Adolft Mtasingwa.
He was reportedly the club’s only foreign signing during the most recent transfer window, highlighting the more selective approach the club has taken in its recruitment.
Akumu’s Chiefs Legacy
Akumu’s two-year association with Kaizer Chiefs may not be remembered primarily for his performances, but his latest revelations have shed light on the significant financial rewards attached to his move to South Africa.
For a player who struggled to make a lasting impact on the field, the deal nonetheless represented a major financial milestone in his career.
His time at Naturena ultimately ended earlier than expected, but Akumu leaves the club having secured what he describes as the most lucrative contract of his professional career.
