Kaizer Chiefs paid former flop over R1 million a year, player reveals

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Anthony Akumu has revealed how much he earned during his two-year spell with the club.

The Kenyan midfielder was widely regarded as one of the club’s underwhelming foreign signings after managing just two goals in 34 league appearances for Amakhosi.

Despite his struggles on the pitch, Akumu has revealed that his move to South Africa proved to be the most lucrative deal of his career.

According to Akumu, Kaizer Chiefs initially offered him a monthly salary of Ksh1.5 million, which was approximately R192,000 at the time.

“Playing in South Africa still remains my most lucrative offer because they started with a monthly salary of Ksh1.5 million (approximately R192,000),” Akumu said, as reported by KickOff.

“When my contract was about to run out in Zambia, Kaizer Chiefs approached me with an offer I couldn’t refuse.

“When Zesco got wind of my intention to move, they offered me Ksh500,000 per month, but they still could not match what the South African club were offering, and so I had to leave.”

Akumu did not see out his full contract with Kaizer Chiefs, with the two parties agreeing to part ways in 2022.

The former Zesco United star also revealed that he received an annual payment of Ksh8 million, approximately R1 million, which was split into two instalments.

“Every year, I received Ksh8 million (approximately R1 million), half of which was paid in February and the other half in September,” he added.

“The money was paid only twice since by the third year, we agreed to part ways with months to go.”

Akumu one of many foreign stars who flopped at Kaizer Chiefs

Akumu is one of several foreign players who have struggled to make a significant impact at Chiefs in recent years.

The club has also brought in players such as Jasond Gonzalez and Christian Saile, both of whom faced criticism during their spells at Naturena.

Akumu’s revelations provide an insight into the financial rewards that came with playing for one of South Africa’s biggest clubs, despite his limited success on the pitch.

Kaizer Chiefs recently signed Adolft Mtasingwa this season from Tanzania and is the only foreign player signed this past transfer window.