Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa, the 30-year-old defensive midfielder for Kaizer Chiefs, has been making a comeback this season, thanks to a fresh opportunity from coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Despite not being featured in the first six matches of the season, Mthethwa was called up for a surprising start against Richards Bay last week.
His performance earned him a spot in the starting lineup once again for the clash with Royal AM this past weekend, where he continued to impress both his coach and teammates.
Nabi’s Praise for Ox
Coach Nabi has expressed his satisfaction with Mthethwa’s growth, emphasizing that the midfielder now better understands his role.
Nabi revealed that they worked together on the areas where Mthethwa needed improvement, and the defensive midfielder has shown a strong commitment to honing those skills.
“I think this time Ox understands his role. We worked on his negative points, and he’s made efforts to improve them.
If he continues to work hard, he will keep progressing.
He grabbed his chance and worked for it. It’s the same for all players.
I congratulate Ox for his performance,” Nabi shared.
Chiefs Draw with Royal AM After Strong Start
Kaizer Chiefs showed resilience in their previous match against Richards Bay, securing a vital win.
However, their defensive lapses cost them dearly in the game against Royal AM.
After taking a 2-0 lead, Chiefs let their guard down in the second half, conceding two goals and ultimately drawing the match, dropping two valuable points.
Nabi was quick to address the team’s performance after the match, pointing out missed opportunities and a lack of unity on the field.
“We missed a lot of chances, especially after the first 25 minutes.
It felt like everyone was playing for themselves.
That’s unacceptable, and that was the message in the dressing room during halftime,” Nabi explained.
Looking Ahead to Polokwane City
As Kaizer Chiefs prepare for their upcoming match against Polokwane City, Nabi knows a win is crucial for building confidence within the squad.
A victory could propel the Glamour Boys into third place in the Betway Premiership, providing them with a much-needed boost in the league standings.
The pressure is on, and the team must focus on tightening their defense and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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