Mamelodi Sundowns striker Abubeker Nasir Ahmed has been told straight up in his face about what he needs to do to remain relevant at Chloorkop for long.
Nasir only managed to gather 14 appearances in his first season at Sundowns with a return of four goals.
READ | Sundowns star named Footballer of the Season!
However, Nasir played 90 minutes just once which was against SuperSport United in September 2022 when he scored.
The Ethiopian then only started just one other game with the rest of his performances coming off the bench including his last against Wydad Casablanca.
Whenever the lanky striker was in the match day squad, he was fielded but worrying is the fact he missed 34 games in all competitions for The Brazilians in the 2022/23 season.
"Here in Ethiopia people are happy about Abu but they are always telling that I should help him," says the most recognisable Ethiopian to ever play in the PSL Fikru Tefera.
Tefera is a popular figure in Ethiopian who is looked upon whenever mention of a player from the Horn of Africa is made regarding the DStv Premiership.
"Physically, he needs to be stronger than what he is now.
"The reason why people are always pushing me to help Abu is because of how I still look up to this day as I have continued training and have a ripped body.
"So, the people say Abu should be as strong as me.
"The boy is gifted naturally but still needs to work hard which is what I told him the last time I met him here.
"At Sundowns he has no excuse not to get stronger because they have all the facilities that he needs.
"With all those facilities available, he needs to push himself as well and do extras.
"I know that he can definitely do better than what he did this past season.
"With the club that he plays there is a lot of competition so he needs to know that whenever he is injured it will keep getting difficult for him to get back into the team.
"Sundowns can also sign other players while he is out injured so he needs to get strong and be able to play consecutive matches for the club and become a top player at the club.
"Quality only doesn't help you.
"You must be strong as well.
"You must be able to go into challenges and remain always available for selection.
"The trouble with Sundowns is that there is always a replacement for you and once you are out you came be forgotten and that way you lose your confidence.
"At Sundownns, you don't have to be lazy because it is a bigger club.
"At Sundowns, they pay you enough money for you to also invest in your own gym at your house.
"You have no excuse because you can afford it.
'When you get a chance at Sundowns you have to be stubborn in holding on to it," says Tefera.
You must be Sign In to read and post comments.
Click here to register: Sign In