Kaizer Chiefs head coach has explained the reason behind the surprise absence of Kaizer Chiefs’ rising midfielder Samkelo Zwane in recent matches.
The emergence of Zwane was one of few sliver linings in a disappointing 22/23 campaign for Amakhosi, that saw them finish fifth on the DStv Premiership a piece of silverware to show.
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The 21-year-old made 15 appearances for Chiefs in his debut season in the topflight and most would have tipped the midfielder to be an even more present figure in the Amakhosi line-up during his second season.
However, 13 matches into Molefi Ntseki's reign and Zwane has not started a single match, coming on a late substitute on three occasions and prompting supporters to raise questions.
Samkelo Zwane and Mduduzi Shabalala don't deserve to watch from the bench or stands!
— El Capitano? (@_izodlalaiTv) October 5, 2023
At least if those who played ahead of them played better, it would be understandable!
No "pressure" excuses please, these boys handle pressure better than players we signed for millions of… pic.twitter.com/jzy1jf2YbI
I HATE ONLY seeing Samkelo Zwane on training pics. Boy should be on the field of play
— A Man has a name (@sarel_lee) October 5, 2023
Speaking at the Carling Knockout media briefing on Wednesday, Ntseki called for patience over Zwane's planning time when asked by journalists.
"He (Zwane) was promoted because he is a quality player," Ntseki said.
"He played a few games (last season) because he is a good player. Competition is very fair at Kaizer Chiefs and I think you're fully aware that we are using him as a six and in the past few games we had the Yousef mark playing as a six.
"Yusuf Maart in those games he did very well, and then we brought in Mthethwa into the team, so it's a it's a good competition for the number six role at the club.
"I think the young man is working very hard, the young man is doing very well. His time will come and when that time comes he will take the number six role and then the older guys will have to fight to take him out of the team."
Meanwhile, Chiefs take on
Some players have qualities to make us play better.
— El Capitano? (@_izodlalaiTv) October 11, 2023
We need to unleash this beast. Now he has Mthethwa and Castillo to also learn from?????
Samkelo Zwane ?? pic.twitter.com/lUpuyrpcuQ
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"I think it has happened with the rest of the players. You saw, we started the season with Given Msimango and then gave an opportunity to
Mapholoba (Njabulo Ngcobo) and I think he (Ngcobo) has been doing very well.
"So the rest of the players are waiting patiently to get their chance and also to take the jersey and be in the starting line-up.
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