Kaizer Chiefs newboy James Kotei backed for starring role

Tanzanian football expert Salim Said says new signing James Kotei will restore balance and organisation to the Kaizer Chiefs.

Kotei was snapped up from Simba SC where he helped them win the Tanzanian Premier League title.

The 25-year-old featured in every minute of the 10 games during their CAF Champions League quarter-final run.

"James Kotei is a solid defensive midfielder that you can count on to do a job at the heart of midfield with minimal fuss," Said told KickOff.com.

"It’s the dirty work, such as the pressing of opponents, the blocks and tackles, at Simba that have enhanced his reputation.

"He has been willing to do that dirty work in a team with an attacking brand of football and that is sometimes top-heavy. He has at times played at centre-back with typical solidity."

He added that: "Off the pitch, Kotei’s fantastic social media use has won the hearts of Simba fans and Tanzanians.

"From humurous content posted in local language Swahili, to donning the Tanzania national team shirt and going to the stadium to cheer them on and calling himself James Magufuli [after the country’s president], to the classy goodbye message he posted upon his departure.

"He took to Tanzania and Tanzania and Simba took to him."