Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi may once again have to rely on youngsters, who have raised their hands more than the experienced personnel in their pre-season tour of Netherlands.
When the chips were down last season, it was the likes of Wandile Duba, Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi who were relied upon and carried creative responsibilities.
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A lot of expectations were on new striker signing Flavio Silva, whose numbers were impressive for previous club Persebaya Surabaya.
However, after a series of pre-season friendlies in Netherlands, the Khosi Nation appears skeptical that the Bissau-Guinean-born man could make a difference ahead of the new season.
Surprisingly, 19-year-old Naledi Hlongwane has given the fans something to look forward to, after he came off the bench to score the decisive goal in a narrow win over Dutch side PEC Zwolle.
"The talent is there, but he still has a lot of hard work ahead of him and also, age is still on his side. Maybe for now you might say he's ahead of Morris, but only time will tell," Chiefs legend Tsepo Masilela said on SoccerBeat YouTube Channel.
"Also, he has to work on his physique. In games like these where the opponent presses you high and don't give you time and space, especially in the build up, that's when you look to go direct to the striker to hold the ball.
"It's either he does that or makes the runs behind, to push the opponents slightly deep. Such games for him to be involved with the first team is experience, learning curve. He can only grow from here," he went on.
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"We've seen, also, the McCarthy boy. He has done well throughout the friendlies they've played, he has raised his hand, giving the coach a headache," noted Masilela.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
