Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane has described Christian Saile Basomboli as a ‘soldier of note’ as the club’s new striker worked like a trojan in the Nedbank Cup last 32 win over Maritzburg United.
The man from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Saile Basomboli has hit the ground running; making his presence felt in South Africa’s top-flight, much to the delight of Zwane, who had revealed high expectations for the striker a fourthnight ago.
Saile Basomboli scored his first goal for Chiefs as he broke the deadlock in the second minute of extra time in the club’s 2-0 win against Maritzburg at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night.
The 22-year-old has impressed in the three games he has played so far at Chiefs with a goal and an assist to his name.
He is slowly making his way to the hearts of Amakhosi fans, with Zwane hoping that Saile Basomboli will reliably bang in goals.
KAIZER CHIEFS COACH ARTHUR ZWANE ON SAILE BASOMBOLI
“Christian, he’s a soldier of note, and we expect more from him,” Zwane told the media. “He’s got this never-say-die attitude, and that’s what we want.
Despite having Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana in their ranks, who is in second place in the Golden Boot race, Chiefs have been struggling in front of goal, with the Burundian lately losing his scoring touch.
Bimenyimana has netted seven goals, four of which were netted from the penalty spot and his dip in form was a sign that Zwane needed to bring in a striker to solve the club’s major scoring issue and add depth to his squad
Zwane was pleased with Saile Basomboli’s work rate in the Maritzburg game. “He [never stopped running. He never stopped working hard on and off the ball. That is why he ended up scoring,” said the Chiefs coach.
“So, I always remind him that you create your own luck and you keep on working hard. You’ll always be rewarded, and he was rewarded as he scored.”
The delighted Amakhosi coach also showered Ashley Du Preez with praise. The attacker netted the club’s second goal to book a place in the Nedbank Cup round of 16.
“I think for any striker, it’s always good when you score goals. The good thing is that both of our strikers scored,” said Zwane.
“And I’m happy for Ashley. I wanted to see him score and that will boost his confidence. And I think he also played very well.
“He was chasing, on and off the ball, he did tremendously well, we scored two goals and we are happy.”
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