Nurkovic Reacts To Chiefs Exit

Samir Nurkovic has opened up on leaving Kaizer Chiefs after spending three seasons with the Soweto giants.

The Serbian striker arrived at Amakhosi in July 2019 and had a sensational season after scoring 14 goals and providing six assists in 31 games he played across all competitions.

The following campaign, “Kokota Piano” as he’s affectionately known had injury concerns and was out of the field for a long time before he came back and struggled to retain a regular spot in the starting lineup.

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Nurkovic told Soccer Laduma that Chiefs’ stint is the best chapter of his career so far.

“I am happy that I have been part of such a big club, such a beautiful and good environment,” said Nurkovic.

“I joined Amakhosi from a small city in Serbia, and that’s a big thing, and I must say, the Chiefs chapter has been the best in my career so far.”

Nurkovic says he played his last two seasons at Amakhosi while injured because they were not allowed to sign players due to the FIFA ban. He seems to be admitting that injuries played a huge part in demoting his form.

“My last two seasons, most of the games, I played while injured, and I couldn’t perform at my best. But it’s normal as Chiefs couldn’t wait for me forever to recover because, at the time, they needed players, they couldn’t sign anybody [FIFA transfer ban], and I understand.

“Everybody saw my first season at Chiefs, and I can’t just like that, forget to play football overnight; that’s ridiculous.”

With him being part of the long list of players that were released by Chiefs, Nurkovic says he’s grateful but is looking forward to starting a new chapter.

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“I am leaving Chiefs with a full heart, and a grateful heart, but it is time for the new chapter,” he said.

“I just need to set up my mindset now; I am currently at home, spending some time with family and taking care of my ill father, recharge the batteries and start all over again.”

In total, the 29-year-old played 78 games for the Love and Peace club, found the back of the net on 21 occasions and provided 10 assists.

Nurkovic is said to be on his way to Royal AM but the CEO of Thwihli Thwahla Sinky Mnisi said he is not aware of the news. “Well, I am the one who signs players at Royal AM. However, I know nothing about this,” Mnisi told GOAL.