As widely reported in local media, Kaizer Chiefs are closing in on Mokwana, with one outlet saying it is a done deal.

The 27-year-old winger has duly sparked excitement among supporters. Club legend Itumeleng Khune went as far as saying Mokwana is simply in the mould of the great Jabu Pule.

Let’s take a quick lookback at Pule and what he brought to the pitch…

ELIAS MOKWANA REMINDS KHUNE OF JABU PULE

Khune told the media Mokwana’s playing style is very suggestive of Pule. He later changed his surname to Mahlangu, but the name Jabu Pule was already legendary.

Known as “Shuffle” and “Ngwana wa Tshwenya,” the forward is viewed as the last attacking player who truly embodied the Kaizer Chiefs soul.

He had the high technical elegance, the speed, creativity, intelligence, the arrogance and confidence to take on opponents. There was more: Pule scored and created goals.

He remains one of the most entertaining footballers to have represented Kaizer Chiefs. He was what Relebohile Mofokeng and Thembinkosi Lorch were to Orlando Pirates. What Themba Zwane and Lucas Ribeiro were to Mamelodi Sundowns. He was the player supporters paid to come and watch.

THE FULL LEGACY

Before establishing creative flair and cult hero status at Kaizer Chiefs, Pule was promoted to the first team by coach Muhsin Ertugral during the 1999/2000 season.

Pule made 99 league appearances for Amakhosi. He delivered 27 goals before his career was disrupted by off-field challenges.

To the dismay of Kaizer Chiefs fans, he signed for Orlando Pirates in 2006 after spells in Austria and at SuperSport United.

On the international stage, he wore the Bafana Bafana jersey 20 times, scoring two goals between 2000 and 2004. The highlight was the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

For Kaizer Chiefs supporters, Mokwana’s comparison with Pule is an exciting one.

CURRENT LIST OF FORWARDS AT KAIZER CHIEFS

• Mfundo Vilakazi
• Mduduzi Shabalala
• Pule Mmodi
• Faiz Abrahams
• Luke Baartman
• Asanele Velebayi
• Langelihle Phili.