Former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane has applauded the new Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi’s decision to include young players in the senior team’s pre-season camp that was recently held in Turkey.
The newly promoted youngster Nkosana Mbuthu, the son of Amakhosi legend Patrick Mbuthu, was part of the squad that travelled to Turkey for a three-week training camp. He was also on the starting eleven when Chiefs battled Young Africans SC in the Toyota Cup on Sunday 28 July.
Zwane said Nabi’s decision to include reserve team players in the senior team set-up serves as encouragement to other upcoming players that they also have a chance to showcase their talent in the top-flight league.
“Yes, it has always been a project and I’m one lucky person that has always been part of this project. Seeing what is happening right now, more especially for the players that travelled with the first team to Turkey, it gives each and every one of us hope and these youngsters as well, they fancy their chances,” Zwane said while speaking to SABC Sports’ Velile Mnyandu.
The 50-year-old went on a hiatus after stepping down as the head coach of the Soweto Giants. He has assumed the position of senior academy coach and is tasked with overseeing the scouting department as well as the under-13, 15, 17, 19 and DDC teams.
His role was recently clarified by the club’s Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr.
“Coach Arthur’s title is senior academy coach, his task is very important. He works with our DDC, under19, under17, under15 and under13 to be able to provide a blanket playing philosophy. So, his role and time is spent with each of the groups to make sure that we have uniformity and we’re able to continue our progression and pathways for the youth players. He also forms part of our scouting department, so his role is really clear and that’s what he’s been busy with,” said Motaung.
Zwane added that the sky is the limit for the up-and-coming players provided that they remain focused, dedicated and disciplined.
“Anything can happen at any given time, if you are focused, you are disciplined, you show a lot of passion and dedication, you are bound to be rewarded. I’m happy for them and as to whether they’ll be first-team players in terms of playing regularly that will be a plus for us but we also thank the first-team technical team for giving these players the opportunity, concluding Zwane.
Kaizer Chiefs failed to qualify for the ongoing MTN8 competition after finishing tenth on the log, they are currently awaiting the start of the Betway Premiership where they are set to clash with Marumo Gallants in their opening match at the Toyota Stadium on September 14.
Written by Siphesihle Soni