Elias Mokwana has finally achieved a lifelong dream after completing his move to Kaizer Chiefs, but the Bafana Bafana winger has revealed that his arrival at Naturena could have happened two years earlier.
The 27-year-old has officially joined Amakhosi after previously playing for Sekhukhune United and Tunisian giants Espérance. His move marks a special moment for a footballer who grew up supporting the Soweto giants.
Speaking to the club’s official website shortly after signing his contract, Mokwana explained that Chiefs had shown interest in him while he was still at Sekhukhune United.
According to the winger, a move to Naturena was initially expected before circumstances forced him to take a different route.
Why Mokwana missed his first opportunity to join Chiefs
Mokwana revealed that Kaizer Chiefs were interested in signing him during his time at Sekhukhune United.
However, instead of moving directly to Naturena, he eventually joined Espérance in Tunisia.
The winger admitted that he was supposed to join Amakhosi at the time, but certain obstacles prevented the transfer from happening.
Despite the disappointment, his dream of representing the club never disappeared. Two years later, the opportunity finally arrived, allowing him to complete a move he had wanted for a long time.
Mokwana shares emotional reaction to Chiefs signing
The Bafana Bafana international also opened up about how he received the news that Chiefs wanted to sign him.
He revealed that he was spending time with his sisters when he learned about the opportunity. His immediate reaction was to call his mother and share the exciting news.
Mokwana described the moment as difficult to put into words, expressing his happiness at joining a club he considers special.
He also spoke positively about the reception he has received at Naturena, saying he is delighted to be surrounded by good people.
For the winger, however, the move is about more than simply joining a big club. He wants to make a meaningful contribution and help Chiefs return to winning trophies.
From Limpopo and Mpumalanga to the Kaizer Chiefs jersey
Mokwana’s journey to Naturena has involved several important stages.
Although he was born in Pretoria, he moved to Limpopo at the age of three to live with his grandmother. Two years later, he relocated to Mpumalanga, where he started school and began developing his passion for football.
His early football journey included spells with different junior teams before Polokwane City Rovers identified his talent.
He went on to help the club win the ABC Motsepe League North West stream before earning an opportunity at Sekhukhune United.
After spending two seasons with Babina Noko, Mokwana secured a move to Espérance in Tunisia, gaining valuable experience outside South Africa.
Now, his journey has brought him to the club he supported growing up.
Mokwana determined to help Chiefs win trophies
Joining Kaizer Chiefs represents a major personal achievement for Mokwana, but he knows the real work starts on the pitch.
The winger wants to prove himself in the famous gold and black jersey while helping Amakhosi compete for silverware.
His arrival will give Chiefs another attacking option as the club looks to strengthen its squad and challenge for major honours.
For a player who once dreamed of representing Amakhosi, the opportunity has finally become reality. The next chapter will be about turning that childhood ambition into success at Naturena.
