Paez: I want to stay at Kaizer Chiefs for a long time

When Gustavo Paez joined Kaizer Chiefs during the 2016/2017 January transfer window, he was seen as a journeyman and a complete unknown.

However, the 27-year-old striker has developed into a fan favourite at Chiefs, and he is expected to play a more important role next season. Meanwhile, Paez has stated that he is enjoying life in South Africa, and admits that the political turmoil in his homeland of Venezuela is driving him to make a success in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).  

"The country has been good to me. It's a paradise," Paez told The Sowetan.

"The last time I was there (Venezuela) was in December. It's bad. There's no food. Hospitals don't have medicine. Even now, during off-season, I decided to visit my sister in America, rather than go home."

"I have found a home here and I want to make sure that I work even harder to complete my contract, or get even more years. Last season, I joined in the middle and scored five goals. This time my target is 10 or more goals,” Paez added.

Although, Paez impressed towards the end of last season, he was resigned to mainly substitute appearances, and he has conceded that he had to adjust to the South African football culture.

"I had to learn the culture of the club, get used to new teammates, their style," he said.

"I'm picking up the language daily as I speak to people in the club. Only [goalkeeper coach] Alex [Revoredo] and [fitness trainer] Marco [Munhoz] speak Portuguese and Spanish. So, I don't have much of a choice. But it's becoming easier," Paez concluded.