SuperSport United striker Samir Nurkovic says he loves everything about South Africa, including his woman, which is why he decided to stay in the country.

Nurkovic signed with SuperSport on a contract until the end of 2026 after parting ways with TS Galaxy earlier this season. It was surprising to see Nurkovic leave Galaxy, considering he scored 10 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions last season.

“It is an amazing country, amazing people. I enjoy every single day here,” Nurkovic said. “Since day one, South Africa has given me a lot, not to mention my lady is from South Africa. I’m comfortable here.”

Nurkovic’s girlfriend is South African and was a Miss South Africa finalist.

“I was in talks with some great clubs, but when you’re in a comfortable place where everyone knows you, it’s always better than going somewhere else, to a different environment. So, that’s pretty much it,” he explained.

The 32-year-old, who has played in three matches for SuperSport, could lead the attack when they host Mamelodi Sundowns in a Betway Premiership match at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday at 7:30 PM. He will be facing a club against whom he has scored three times in eight appearances, including two goals during the 2019/20 season with Kaizer Chiefs.

That season was Nurkovic’s best, as he scored 14 goals in 31 matches in all competitions. Chiefs led the title race but lost it on the final day of the season after drawing with Baroka FC, a game they needed to win. Sundowns won their match against Black Leopards to clinch the league title.

Nurkovic was asked if he had recovered from that near miss with Chiefs under coach Ernst Middendorp.

“I didn’t have to recover from anything,” Nurkovic replied, as it was his first season in the PSL. “In my opinion, I was a winner. If anyone thinks I wasn’t, they should look at the stats.”

Nurkovic also shared his thoughts on working with Middendorp, whom many believe Chiefs made a mistake in letting go, as the Soweto giants have not reached the same heights since his departure.

“I found every coach I have worked with good in their own specific way,” he said. “Different coaches sometimes have different visions of the game, but everyone is the same. As a professional player, I’m there to do whatever the coach asks.

“That can be the tactical approach to the game, dedication, hard work. As a professional player, this is my job.

“Everything else, I leave to the coaching staff. As a professional player, you need to respect their approach to the game. Whatever they ask of you, you need to do it.”

At SuperSport, Nurkovic is reunited with Gavin Hunt, who replaced Middendorp at Chiefs in September 2020. He has scored four goals in 30 matches under Hunt.