Puleng Marema speaks about why he turned down the Kaizer Chiefs offer!

The leader of Polokwane City speaks frankly.

Africa 13 April 2026 at 19:05

Polokwane City midfielder Puleng Marema has opened up about his decision to reject Kaizer Chiefs, admitting he initially had regrets but ultimately chose long‑term security over the glamour of a Soweto giant.

The 35‑year‑old has remained with Rise and Shine since 2012, turning down offers from several clubs, including Amakhosi. In an interview with iDiski Times, Marema reflected on the moment that changed his thinking.

“At first, yeah, I had a lot of regrets,” Marema said. “The reality is, if you want to go to another team, it is obviously because of money. Football is about money. But there was a point when the chairman gave me the biggest contract that I could never refuse. That contract, at that time, I can probably say I’m sure there were some players at big teams that I was earning more than they were.”

Instead of chasing fame, Marema chose happiness and stability. “So, there was no way for me to go to Chiefs when I was happy here at home in Polokwane. The move to another club would have been about money.”

Having spent 14 seasons with Polokwane City, Marema has made over 200 appearances and scored 37 goals. He explained that short‑term success would have meant little if it came at the cost of long‑term wellbeing.

“It doesn’t help if I won 10 league trophies and the top eight cup, but then after football, I don’t have money. So, now I must show trophies while my kids are suffering? For me, it’s an achievement to win something, but I was thinking about the bigger picture. What will happen after? Because, say I went to Chiefs, and they offered me a three‑year deal, anything could happen after that. It’s football; they could have said goodbye even before the end of the contract. And you know the kind of pressure at those big clubs. Would I still be around playing like I am now?”

Now 35, a move to Chiefs appears unlikely, but Marema’s legacy at Polokwane City is already secure. He may look to move into coaching in the near future.