Tim Sukazi confirms deal with Kaizer Chiefs for goalkeeper

Reports suggest the 24-year-old Rwanda international could join his new club for their ongoing pre-season in Turkey having applied for a visa on Friday ahead of completing what will be the biggest move of his career.

Ntwari only joined The Rockets last year on a free transfer and will now be leaving Galaxy after just 24 matches for an undisclosed fee.

Speaking the public broadcaster, Sukazi said the sale would benefit all parties.

“I believe this was a meeting of the minds after protracted negotiations. Chiefs strongly wanted the player and made that clear. It’s not that we did not need the player, but this is our business model,” the chairman said.

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Galaxy sold more than seven players two seasons ago to Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Chiefs, leaving coach Sead Ramovic with his work cut out to spot emerging talent in trying to fill the void.

But the Serbian mentor was still able to guide the team to a remarkable sixth place finish, their best ever since their arrival in the topflight scene.

Ntwari becomes the third player during this current transfer window to leave Galaxy after striker Lehlohonolo Mojela moved to Stellenbosch FC and defender Kagiso Sanoka joined SuperSport United.

“We’ve done this before and we are going to reinvest into the project yet again. I believe in SA football having a strong Kaizer Chiefs that is of a high standard, and Ntwari is the type of goalkeeper that will be able to contribute to their project. We cannot have a weak Chiefs, whether you and I like it or not.”

Chiefs are yet to officially confirm their signings, but Ntwari is the second player to put pen to paper since the appointment of coach Nasreddine Nabi – the other is defender Bongani Sam, who made the switch from Pirates.