Fortune Makaringe was close to signing for Kaizer Chiefs instead of Orlando Pirates

At the time, Makaringe was plying his trade with Maritzburg United, now known as Durban City, where he had spent four seasons establishing himself as one of the club's key performers.

His consistent displays in midfield attracted interest from several top clubs, with Kaizer Chiefs making the first concrete move.

Makaringe disclosed that Chiefs, under the guidance of then head coach Ernst Middendorp, approached him before Orlando Pirates entered the picture.

Middendorp was no stranger to the midfielder, having previously worked with him during his stint at Maritzburg United, and was reportedly keen to reunite with him at Naturena.

Talks progressed quickly, with Makaringe holding discussions not only with Middendorp but also with Kaizer Chiefs' Football Manager, Bobby Motaung.

According to the player, he was ready to put pen to paper for the Phefeni Glamour Boys, believing the move was all but complete.

However, the situation changed when Orlando Pirates, popularly known as the Sea Robbers, later joined the race for his signature. The Buccaneers moved decisively and ultimately beat their Soweto rivals to secure the midfielder's services.

"That [move to Chiefs] one was 99% [done]. The first team that actually came was Kaizer Chiefs," said Makaringe during the interview with Mike Morton Talks Football.

"So, we were in talks with the coach, it was coach Middendorp at the time, coach Shaun Bartlett was also there.

"Middendorp was actually the reason why I had a lifeline at Maritzburg at the time and we had that relationship.

"I was like okay; he wants me at Chiefs; I'm definitely going there. Coach Shaun Bartlett coached me at Nike camp.

"Bobby called to make sure that everything is [sorted]. But I was still contracted with Maritzburg, I couldn't do a deal on my own, so it was a club-to-club.

"I don't know whether there was any discussion between Maritzburg and Chiefs."