'This club ticks all the boxes', says Clifford after snubbing Orlando Pirates for Marumo Gallants

The 29-year-old striker began his career with SuperSport United but has spent a number of years in Europe playing in leagues in Malta, Lithuania, Portugal and Bulgaria.

He joind Gallants in July from Bulgarian Second League side Etar Veliko Tarnovo and has played 11 games in all competiyions this season, scornig two goals.

Speaking to FARPost, Clifford explained that he was attracted to the project at Gallants, amid reported interest from Orlando Pirates and other Betway Premiership sides.

He said: "I spent nine years outside of South Africa and it was about time for me to return. Obviously there was so much interest, big PSL teams made inquiries.

"As a player, I was weighing my options but Marumo Gallants were the team with more serious advances. As soon as I sat down with the chairman, he wanted things to be done immediately and I also wanted to secure myself in the country.

"They were the most serious and what they offered me was enough for me to say yes.

"The role they gave me in the team, makes it more special, obvious coming back from Europe, they wanted me to help by passing on experience. The role that I have is very interesting for me and also the project itself is very interesting for me.

"We are very ambitious, we want to win trophies and it's a good platform for me to showcase myself in South Africa because I have been away for so long. To be honest, this club ticks all the boxes of what I want in my life at this stage and career. I wanted to be close to home and they gave me this chance."