AmaZulu striker Thabiso Kutumela says his good participation in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) with the Bafana B side was not about proving a point, as he was without a club when he went to the tournament.

Kutumela travelled to the East African tournament as a free agent after being released by Richards Bay at the end of last season.

The forward endured an underwhelming campaign with the KwaZulu-Natal outfit, scoring just one goal in 11 appearances across all competitions.

Despite his limited contribution, Richards Bay defied expectations by finishing eighth in the Betway Premiership, securing a top-eight finish for the first time in the club’s history.

Following his departure, Kutumela was included in coach Molefi Ntseki’s Bafana B squad for CHAN, where he impressed with a string of strong performances.

The 32-year-old, who previously turned out for Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, rediscovered his form during the tournament, netting four goals in four matches.

Although South Africa failed to progress to the knockout stages — drawing their final group match against Uganda despite leading — AmaZulu moved quickly to secure the striker’s signature soon after.

“It wasn’t about proving anything to anyone at CHAN,” Kutumela told Sportswire.

“Football is what I love, and I just put my trust in the Lord for whatever was meant to happen. In this game, you never know who’s watching — every match is an opportunity.

“I was fortunate that things went my way. I had a good tournament, and that opened the door for me to join AmaZulu.”

When asked if he believed he would still be without a club had CHAN not happened, Kutumela replied:

“You never know. That’s why I say, something could have happened anyway. But I’m grateful to be part of AmaZulu, and I thank God for that.”

Kutumela endured misfortune in Usuthu’s Carling Knockout Round of 16 clash against Magesi FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.

After inspiring AmaZulu’s comeback from 2-0 down to level the score at 2-2, the striker was unlucky to deflect a last-minute free-kick past his own goalkeeper — Darren Johnson, handing John Maduka’s side a 3-2 victory and a spot in the next round.