How ex-Portsmouth team-mate Nicke Kabamba convinced Brandon Haunstrup to make Kilmarnock switch

The former Fratton Park team-mates have been reunited in the Scottish Premiership following Haunstrup’s recruitment on a free transfer.

Although the left-back kept his impending arrival under wraps until it was assured of completion, he did contact Kambamba for his opinion.

And the striker, who scored four goals in 12 games after arriving from Hartlepool in January, delivered a ringing endorsement.

Haunstrup told The News: ‘Kilmarnock’s interest happened about two months ago and, although other clubs enquired, it was the main one for me.

‘Why not Scotland? It’s no different to any other club and, from what I have seen in the friendlies so far, the standard is high.

‘I’ve lived in Portsmouth my whole life, moving away and getting a fresh start was something I was keen on.

‘When I mentioned it to Nicke, he told me to get myself up there and that it’s a really good club, which I have also found since I’ve been here.

‘It’s great to see him again, he’s such a top bloke and has taken me under his wing.

‘He assured me I would enjoy being at Kilmarnock, which was really reassuring.

‘Nicke joined in January and has done well, chipping in with a fair few goals as well. He scored against Celtic – so he tells me!’

Kilmarnock, who finished eighth in the Scottish Premiership last season, start the 2020-21 campaign on Saturday (August 1) with a trip to Hibernian.

At the weekend they completed their final friendly with a 1-1 draw at Dundee United, with Haunstrup featuring for the full 90 minutes as he pushes for the left-back spot.

Also on Killie’s books are former Rangers, Birmingham and Forest midfielder Chris Burke and ex-AFC Wimbledon man Mitch Pinnock.

The 23-year-old added: ‘I didn’t want to come to a club which wasn't ambitious – and Kilmarnock clearly want to do well.

‘The squad is not too big and not too small. It’s just right, with competition for every position, which you need.

‘Now it’s up to me to cement a regular first-team spot.’

MORE: ‘Demoralised’ Brandon Haunstrup: Why I had to quit Pompey for Kilmarnock.

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