Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Maluleka has spoken candidly about his departure from the club in 2020, which led to his move to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Known affectionately as ‘Mido’, his decision to sign a pre-contract with Sundowns during a crucial title race left many Chiefs supporters feeling betrayed. Maluleka, whose contract was nearing its end, revealed in an interview with Robert Marawa on 947 that the choice to leave wasn’t entirely his own.
“The timing – I can’t say it was right or wrong – it wasn’t my decision to make,” Maluleka said. “It happened. That’s just how it went down. It wasn’t my decision.” When questioned further about his earlier statement suggesting the exit wasn’t his choice, Maluleka explained that he would have gladly remained with the Chiefs if they had met his terms during the contract negotiations. “It was my decision to go to Sundowns, but not at that point. If you remember, there was still the bubble. I couldn’t be involved in the bubble because of the offer that was made on the other side,” he explained.
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George Maluleka stated that his decision to join Sundowns was driven by factors beyond simply winning trophies, as he had already achieved that with Chiefs and SuperSport United. ”I won trophies at Chiefs, I won trophies at SuperSport. I just missed out with Ajax. So it’s got nothing to do with the [Sundowns] offer.
“But, like I said, it had nothing to do with the offer. I wanted to finish what I started [at Chiefs], which was win the league and then move, and that couldn’t happen, unfortunately. “It was unfortunate [because] we couldn’t agree on terms.”
George Maluleka and Willard Katsande’s midfield partnership was crucial to Amakhosi’s success, helping them build a comfortable four-point lead over Sundowns in the league standings. However, Maluleka’s departure marked a turning point for Amakhosi, as their grip on the title began to slip. This provided Sundowns with the opportunity they needed to stage a comeback, eventually drawing level on points at the top of the table. “It was unfortunate; it happened.
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Maybe I don’t wanna say it was supposed to happen. But that year, we were supposed to win the league as Kaizer Chiefs. I left, and it didn’t happen. A lot of people say it was because of me. I try to explain, but there are a lot of players [who remained at the club].
“I did try to contribute my part that season. My agent couldn’t finish the deal. We couldn’t agree on terms.” Amakhosi coach at the time, Ernst Middendorp, was left with a bitter taste in his mouth.
He openly acknowledged the gaping void Maluleka’s departure created in midfield. This was one of several issues the club grappled with as the Brazilians relentlessly pursued them, ultimately snatching the title on the final day. Maluleka’s record at the Soweto giants includes 168 appearances, 11 goals, and 24 assists. He also contributed to a league title and an MTN trophy victory. Meanwhile, the 35-year-old midfielder is currently club-hunting after cutting ties with AmaZulu at the end of last season.