Simba SC attacker Keletso Makgalwa has disclosed that Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu were among the South African clubs interested in securing his services before he opted to continue his career in Tanzania.
The 29-year-old made the move to Simba in July after spending two seasons with Sekhukhune United, where he had established himself as an important attacking player.
Makgalwa said both clubs presented attractive offers, but he ultimately decided that moving abroad would provide the change he was looking for.
A Decision Driven by a Fresh Start
Speaking to iDiski Times, Makgalwa explained that the opportunity to begin a new chapter outside South Africa was one of the main factors behind his decision.
He also acknowledged the financial benefits of the move, saying that improving his circumstances and being able to support his family played an important role in his thinking.
The attacker said he believes the decision to join Simba has so far proved worthwhile.
Chiefs Had Special Meaning for Makgalwa
Despite eventually turning down Chiefs, Makgalwa admitted that the Soweto giants held particular significance for him because of his childhood ambitions.
Like many South African footballers, he grew up aspiring to represent one of the country’s biggest clubs. In his case, Chiefs was the team he dreamed of playing for.
He conceded that choosing Simba over an opportunity to join Amakhosi was therefore not an easy decision.
Conversations Helped Shape His Choice
Before committing to the move, Makgalwa sought advice from people who had experience of playing in Tanzania.
He said he spoke to Neo and Rushine, who gave him an honest assessment of life and football in the country.
According to Makgalwa, he was warned that some aspects of the football environment, including the quality of certain pitches, could present challenges. However, the advice also helped him understand that he could adapt and make the most of the opportunity.
From Chiefs Dream to Sundowns Career
Makgalwa’s career has taken a different path from the one he imagined as a youngster.
He explained that growing up in South Africa, many aspiring footballers dreamed of representing Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns or Orlando Pirates.
Chiefs was his personal ambition, but when that opportunity did not materialise, he eventually joined Sundowns and developed a strong attachment to the club.
Makgalwa said his experience at Sundowns ultimately changed his perspective, as he became focused on his career there rather than continuing to think about playing for rival clubs.
Simba Offers Champions League Football
Another major attraction of the Simba move was the opportunity to compete in continental football.
Makgalwa highlighted Simba’s participation in the CAF Champions League as one of the reasons he considered the transfer worthwhile.
He also defended the quality of the Tanzanian league, pointing out that it features several good players and provides him with a different competitive environment.
Financial Considerations Also Mattered
While sporting ambitions were important, Makgalwa made it clear that his family’s financial wellbeing was also part of the decision.
Moving abroad can provide players with opportunities that extend beyond football, and Makgalwa said the ability to improve his financial position and support his family was a significant consideration.
His comments suggest that the transfer was therefore based on a combination of personal, professional and financial factors.
Makgalwa Settles Into Life at Simba
Having initially faced a difficult choice between remaining in South Africa and moving abroad, Makgalwa now believes his decision to join Simba was the right one.
The move has given him the chance to experience football outside South Africa while competing for a club involved in continental competition.
For a player who once dreamed of wearing the Kaizer Chiefs shirt, his decision represents a different route in his career — one that has taken him from South African football to a new challenge in Tanzania.
