adminPRETORIA. – Goalkeeper George Chigova wants to play until he is 40 and says he is open to make a new move as he enters the final six months of his contract.
Prior to this season, Chigova had been in the shadows of Bafana Bafana international Ronwen Wliiams, who was SuperSport’s first choice.
Chigova, however, had a change of fortunes following the departure of Williams to Mamelodi Sundowns at the beginning of the 2022/23 season.
“My contract is ending at the end of the season but for now I’m focusing on my game until the season ends and see where we finish,” Chigova told FARPost.
“I’ll take it from there but anything is possible. Staying or moving. For now I’ll focus on the job at hand. This contract situation will be dealt with at the end of the season,” added the 31-year-old.
Under Gavin Hunt, the former Polokwane City shot-stopper has so far featured in four DStv premiership matches and once in the MTN8.
In fact, Hunt has helped Chigova reinvent himself albeit the stiff competition he faces from his counterparts Ricardo Goss and Boalefa Pule for a place in the starting line-up.
“For Ronwen Williams it was a good move for his future career-wise, but it didn’t have so much impact on me because I respect every goalkeeper. We work together as a small family,” said Chigova.
“So whoever plays gets support from the other guys for the benefit of the team. It’s more about the team which comes first,” Chigova.
The gangly goalie is aiming to emulate Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon by playing until the age of 40.
Chigova predicts that he will be active for at least nine more seasons in the South African football ranks.
“For me, I feel that I can play nine or ten more seasons. I want to play until I’m 40. Throughout the world, goalkeepers can play until that age.
“All I need to do is keep good shape of my body and work hard hoping that the future will be bright for me and my aspirations,” he added. – FARPost
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter