Kaizer Chiefs forward Ashley Du Preez remains optimistic despite a significant reduction in playing time under new coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Last season, Du Preez was a key figure for Amakhosi, making 27 appearances and scoring six goals. However, this season, he’s found himself playing a new role on the bench, starting none of Chiefs’ seven matches.
Despite the reduced role, Du Preez is determined to remain positive and continue working hard. “I’ve been setting targets as a player,” Du Preez told the media on Monday as quoted by iDiski Times.
“You have to do that despite things not going your way. You still have to push yourself and set targets. For me not playing regular, like last season, I’m not letting that come to me and let me down.
“I’ve always been working hard and trying to get myself in the starting XI, and obviously, when I get minutes, come in from the bench I’m there to help the team win a game.”
The forward is also keen to understand and implement Nabi’s tactical demands to regain his starting position. “I know what the coach expects from me, and I’m working tirelessly to meet those expectations,” he added.
“They have explained to me what he [Coach Nabi] wants from me and how he would like me to play, so at the end of the day, it’s the coach’s decision to put the starting line-up who’s gonna win for the team. I’m just working on improving day by day every week,” he added.
Kaizer Chiefs will play back to back home league fixtures against Richards Bay and Royal AM respectively at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.