Belgium should be a suitable place for Knowledge Musona to make his European breakthrough, said the technical director of the striker's previous club in Germany, TSV 1899 Hoffenheim's Alexander Rosen.
The former Kaizer Chiefs striker, pacey and deadly in the Absa Premiership, got little game time and could not score in two seasons in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim and on loan to FC Augsburg.
He was loaned back to Amakhosi last season.
Musona scored 11 goals in 26 league and cup games despite injuries. But he has spent six months without action after opting to try to pursue his career in Europe, and having not fitted into Hoffenheim's plans. Last month, the Zimbabwean signed for Andile Jali's club in Belgium, KV Oostende.
Rosen said Hoffenheim could not find a place for Musona because they have too many good strikers.
"When myself and coach Markus Gisdol took over in April 2013, Knowledge wasn't at our club having been loaned to Augsburg," Rosen said.
"We had a big squad, so we decided in a good communication with [Chiefs football manager] Bobby Motaung to send him on loan for a year, because he had not made it at Augsburg.
"We followed him very closely at Chiefs and he produced a good performance. We intently discussed bringing him back to our team, but we have really quality players in his position.
"I can't tell you anything on the reason he didn't make it in Germany. But he always had the wish to stay in Europe. And when the chance to go to Belgium came up he decided to make the step to that level."
Hoffenheim are on a 10-day training camp in South Africa, which includes their friendly against Chiefs at FNB Stadium tomorrow night at 7.30pm.
'Musona better off in Belgium'
Belgium should be a suitable place for Knowledge Musona to make his European breakthrough, said the technical director of the striker's previous club in Germany, TSV 1899 Hoffenheim's Alexander Rosen.
The former Kaizer Chiefs striker, pacey and deadly in the Absa Premiership, got little game time and could not score in two seasons in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim and on loan to FC Augsburg.
He was loaned back to Amakhosi last season.
Musona scored 11 goals in 26 league and cup games despite injuries. But he has spent six months without action after opting to try to pursue his career in Europe, and having not fitted into Hoffenheim's plans. Last month, the Zimbabwean signed for Andile Jali's club in Belgium, KV Oostende.
Rosen said Hoffenheim could not find a place for Musona because they have too many good strikers.
"When myself and coach Markus Gisdol took over in April 2013, Knowledge wasn't at our club having been loaned to Augsburg," Rosen said.
"We had a big squad, so we decided in a good communication with [Chiefs football manager] Bobby Motaung to send him on loan for a year, because he had not made it at Augsburg.
"We followed him very closely at Chiefs and he produced a good performance. We intently discussed bringing him back to our team, but we have really quality players in his position.
"I can't tell you anything on the reason he didn't make it in Germany. But he always had the wish to stay in Europe. And when the chance to go to Belgium came up he decided to make the step to that level."
Hoffenheim are on a 10-day training camp in South Africa, which includes their friendly against Chiefs at FNB Stadium tomorrow night at 7.30pm.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos