New Chippa United defender Justice Chabalala has revealed that he did not expect to leave Orlando Pirates during the current Transfer Window.
The central defender managed to establish himself in the Bucs starting line-up after joining the club from Free State Stars at the beginning of the season.
Chabalala enjoyed some game time under Mushin Ertugral, and then under Augusto Palacios, making 10 appearances in all major competitions.
The lanky defender collected several man of the match accolades, but Bucs decided to loan him out to the Chilli Boys along with three other players.
"I was shocked, but you have to expect things like these. I believe it is good for me, because I will still be playing in the PSL. Chippa United is a team that competes," Chabalala told The Sowetan.
"I was first called by my agent Abbie [Rasimphi] and he said Pirates want to loan me to Chippa, so what do I say?"
"I told him that anything is fine, because I listen to the chairman [Irvin Khoza] and whatever he says, I take that. He is the big man in the team," he added.
"People are surprised, but I'm okay with it. People are going to say this and that, but this is football and you have to be strong," Chabalala concluded.
Local agent Abbie Rasimphi confirmed that he represented Chabalala, Japhta and Mokondelela, who all joined Chippa from Bucs earlier this month.
"I was part of the meeting. I represent three of the players including Japhta and Mokondelela. All the players knew about this," Rasimphi said.
Promising attacking midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch returned to Bucs following a successful six-month loan spell with Chippa.
