”Goodbye Chicco,” was the message from Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday after negotiations were completed for star Côte d’Ivoire international midfielder Siaka ”Chicco” Tiene to join French Premier Division club St Ettiene.
Tiene was one of the most impressive performers of the 2004/05 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season and despite The Brazilians’ glut of players — particularly midfielders — there may be no one measuring up to his class and pedigree to replace him.
The Ivorian, however, had a hankering to join the majority of his international colleagues, who are based in Europe — most notably in France — and Sundowns could do nothing to dissuade him from leaving.
”But he goes with our blessings,” said Sundowns deputy CEO Jose Ferreira, ”and there will always be a place for him at the club should he decide to return to South Africa in the future.”
It is believed Sundowns received one of the highest transfer fees paid to any PSL club while concluding protracted negotiations with St Ettiene for Tiene’s services..
”We obviously did not want to lose him,” added Ferreira, ”but he was adamant about playing in Europe. Nevertheless, it was no bargain sale and we received an amount comensurate with Chicco’s ability and stature.” — Sapa