Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Knowledge Musona is adamant he is not going to German club Hoffenheim to “make up the numbers”.
Musona’s five-year deal was finally confirmed on Thursday and the “Smiling Assassin” believes he will make the grade at the Bundesliga outfit.
“I just have to be myself and play my normal game, then I have no doubt I can make it,” the Zimbabwean-born player told Football365.co.za.
“I’m not under pressure at all. I know I only played two seasons in the Professional Soccer League (PSL), but I believe I’m ready.”
Musona finished as the PSL’s top marksman last season with 20 goals in 34 official starts and believes he could repeat that type of figure in Europe.
“I think there is nothing like you are ready or not in football,” he continued. “For me what matters is I have the opportunity now and I must use it, that’s all.
“The reality is football is a short time career and you have to make the most of it. I didn’t expect this to happen so quickly, but on the other hand it depends on your performance as a player.
“The scouts saw I was playing well and it will be just a matter of time to make it there. I worked very hard and the reward came.
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“Everywhere you go it is never easy, but I’m up to the challenge. I’m not going to Hoffenheim to make up the numbers.
“I must just be careful how I do things in the first few months, because it is obviously a different football culture, but I know I can make it there.”
Meanwhile, Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic says he had always known that Musona was destined for Europe since the first day he saw the Zimbabwean sensation.
The Serbian coach arrived at Chiefs at the same time as Musona in June 2009 and has worked with the 21-year-old in all the time in South Africa.
Musona has now completed a big-money move to German Bundesliga club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, believed to be around R16 million, the biggest transfer that Chiefs have ever done.
“Since Musona came here I knew that he deserves what he has gotten now. Musona is a smart guy whom I have a lot of belief in and I am definite that he will be successful in Europe. Just as much as I wish him well as he goes, we will miss him,” says Vermezovic.
Ernst Tanner, the sporting director at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, had joy written all over his face about their latest acquisition.
“We are happy to have signed a new striker whom we have been following for some time. He is a good person whom I wish all the best as he integrates into the Germany culture. I believe that he will be a success,” says Tanner.
Nigel Munyati from Aces Academy — who play in the third tier league in Zimbabwe where Musona was groomed — was also at hand to wish the player well.
“We helped him into being the player that he is today and we are delighted that our efforts have been fruitful. I will also want to pay tribute to Bobby Motaung because he had foresight when he identified Musona after seeing him playing in a First Division match back home. I believe the route that Musona has taken will inspire other boys,” said Munyati.
“I am privileged and would like to thank Chiefs for treating me so well in my time here,” said Musona, who finished as PSL top scorer last season. —Kick Off/ Football365
