Flavio Silva advised on how to turn himself into a darling of Kaizer Chiefs supporters - 'Amakhosi fans expect goals from their striker, not some magic'

Kaizer Chiefs signed striker Flavio Silva from Indonesian side Persebaya Surabaya as they seek to fix their attacking frailties.

However, the African-born Portuguese forward was struggling for goals during Amakhosi's pre-season camp in the Netherlands.

Former Chiefs attacker Marks Maponyane has issued Flavio with some advice on how to endear himself to the hearts of the club's fans.

“What we must not forget is that these players came to Chiefs having been outstanding in their teams, which is a problem [when you arrive] at Naturena because everything is difficult,” Maponyane told Isolezwe. 

“What will help him is to score goals even if it is in friendly matches because that is the only thing that will reduce his stress. 

“Chiefs fans expect goals from their striker, not some magic. If you give them that, they take it to heart and everything else becomes easy.”

For someone who was playing in less-fancied Indonesia after failing to play top-flight league football in Europe, there were doubts about Silva from some quarters.

That would hand him a challenge to silence his critics and avoid a strained relationship with Chiefs fans.

This comes as forwards like Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana and Ranga Chivaviro were often booed by Amakhosi supporters after failing to deliver goals.

Chiefs fans have an opportunity to watch Silva live in action when Amakhosi face Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium on July 26.

If selected to play, it would be the first time to feel the intimidating atmosphere created by the ever-demanding Chiefs fans inside a big stadium.