Kaizer Chiefs have snapped up three new stars including the exciting signature of Congolese attacker Glody Lilepo. What’s he all about?
Meet Glody Lilepo
Makabi Glody Lilepo is a 27-year-old Congolese striker who’s most comfortable operating in the wide right channel. Under the legendary Florent Ibenge, Lilepo bagged five goals in 10 Caf Champions League outings although Lilepo’s move to France’s Ligue 1 resulted in relegation in his first campaign there.
Valenciennes was happy to do business with offers in the region of €500,00 or R9.6 million. Lilepo has seven goals and five assists in 46 games across all competitions for his current employers and a single goal from 11 caps for DR Congo. The player has reportedly agreed on personal terms with Chiefs, while third-tier French outfit Valenciennes face financial difficulties and pressure to sell their assets. They had to succumb to that pressure.
Lilepo’s journey so far
Makabi Glody Lilepo has played his club football in all sorts of interesting locations. Born in Kinshasa, Lilepo started with AS Vita Club in his home country. The next stop was Mbabane Swallows in Eswatini after which he returned to AS Vita Club and bounced between spells with them and FC Renaissance in DR Congo. Next up was Al-Hilal in Sudan. His first move outside of Africa came in September 2023 when he swapped North Africa for Northern France, a move valued at €478k (R9.2 million).
Soweto Derby looms large for Kaizer Chiefs
Pirates have held the upper hand in recent meetings between these great rivals. The Buccaneers have won the last three meetings across all competitions, including each of the last two in the league, most recently that 3-2 success for the Sea Robbers in March 2024 with Monnapule Saleng bagging a double. That stopped a curious and somewhat surprising run of five consecutive wins for Chiefs in Soweto Derby league clashes with the Sea Robbers. These rivals lock horns again on Saturday 01 February at Orlando Stadium from 15:30. Will Lilepo make his debut?
Will Lilepo bring much-needed quality, experience and versatility to the Chiefs attack?
