New Kaizer Chiefs defender Inácio Miguel has revealed that discussions about joining the Soweto giants began at the end of last season.

He informed his former club, Petro de Luanda, of his desire for a new challenge.

Miguel believes it was a wise decision, comparing Chiefs’ facilities to world-class standards. He believes they are unrivaled in Africa.

The towering defender joined the Chiefs on a contract until 2027 from the Angolan side and is expected to make his debut against Marumo Gallants at Toyota Stadium in the Betway Premiership on Saturday (15:00).

“At the end of the season, there were already some conversations between the clubs and also the staff, the coaches. They (Chiefs) called me and said they were interested in me,” said Miguel on Wednesday. 

“I spoke to Petro that I wasn’t happy with the small minutes that I had last season and I want to change something. 

“They asked me if I wanted to move and I said ‘Why not’? I want to move, face the new challenge maybe.’  

“The club convinced me to stay at Petro and I said ‘No, I’m interested in doing something different’.  

“It’s football and you cannot be comfortable; I like to go out of my comfort zone and I decided to move here.”  

The 28-year-old, who has played in Portugal, Romania, and Latvia, has dismissed suggestions that his move to South Africa was solely motivated by financial reasons. He revealed that he received better offers from North Africa.

“Honestly, Kaizer Chiefs is a different league. There’s no comparison in Africa, in my opinion,” Miguel said. “The organization, the structure, the club’s development is very strong.”

“That motivated me to come here. I swear this club is on par with European standards. I was in Braga, and the difference between Kaizer Chiefs and Braga, for me, is minimal,” he added.

“The club’s structure, organization, and future plans are very promising.”

“Regarding money, if I was solely motivated by financial gain, I wouldn’t have come to South Africa. I had other options in North Africa with much higher pay and a different project,” he explained. “I’m here for the project, not the money. If I wanted money, I would have definitely moved to North Africa. But the sporting project here is very interesting, and that’s why I made the move.”

The chances of Miguel starting this coming weekend have been heightened as fellow defender Thatayaone Dithlokwe is suspended.