BAFA'BANTU

Kaizer Chiefs are currently assessing the progress of Italian, Gerardo Eliano Cozzolino, after the Siya crew broke the news last week that the player was turning out for the Soweto giants.

Siya sources have indicated that Steve Komphela’s assistant coach, John Paintsil has been impressed with the player’s progress so far.

“Gerardo’s still under assessment, but he’s done very well. John Paintsil’s happy and so is head coach Steve Komphela. They’re actually looking for a playmaker with a good shot and ball control. I thought Gerardo would fit the profile of the man they’re looking for, as he reads the game very well. Maybe he doesn’t have great pace, but you wouldn’t expect that from a playmaker anyway,” the source revealed.

“African football is different to that in Europe. In Africa, there’s a tendency to run after the ball, whereas in Europe it’s about making the ball run. Gerardo’s more that European type of player. Chiefs’ goalkeeper coach, Alexandre Revoredo, also likes him a lot. He said, ‘If it was up to me, I’d sign him',” he added.

The source also suggested that senior players like Itumeleng Khune and Siphiwe Tshabalala made Cozzolino feel welcomed at the club. However, it remains to be seen whether the 25-year-old can do enough to impress and land a professional PSL-contract with the Soweto giants.

To read more on the Italian currently turning out for Kaizer Chiefs