How Siyethemba Sithebe worked his way back into Kaizer Chiefs’ starting line-up

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siyethemba Sithebe has explained how he worked his way back into the Soweto giants’ starting line-up while also opening up about his lack of game time in recent times.

Siyethemba Sithebe was a regular starter at the start of the 2022/23 DStv Premiership season after joining Chiefs from KwaZulu-Natal outfit AmaZulu.

However, Sithebe fell out of favour after a decent start, with coach Zwane preferring to use Samkelo Zwane and Yusuf Maart in the middle of the park.

Sithebe has seemingly managed to convince coach Zwane to bring him back to the starting line-up.

SIYETHEMBA SITHEBE ON HOW HE GOT BACK INTO THE CHIEFS LINE-UP

“As a player, when you are no longer playing, you need to work hard,” Sithebe told the media.

“You must be willing to wait for your chance to come again, and that’s what I was doing.

“I was always part of the 18-man squad, even though I wasn’t starting. And when the coach brought me back to the starting line-up, I told myself that if I can do what I do best, I can bring that confidence back.

“When I came in against [Mamelodi] Sundowns, I was reading the game from the bench.

“And I saw that I can help the team if we play with a patient build-up. With more communication, I think I can be myself,” added the deadlocked midfielder.

Sithebe has played 16 games for Chiefs in all competitions this season, with no goal or assist to his name.

The 30-year-attacker further shed light on the preparations for Chiefs’ encounter against Golden Arrows on Sunday, 19 February.

“Since the beginning of the week, preparations are going well, and the whole team is confident,” he said.

“We know how Arrows play, so we need to be more confident because we playing at home. We just need to make sure that we collect maximum points.

The Glamour Boys will be looking to build on their winning momentum after beating Maritzburg United last Friday at Harry Gwala Stadium in the Nedbank Cup last 32.

Arthur Zwane’s troops lock horns with Abafana Bes’thende at Peter Mokaba Stadium. Kickoff is at 15:30.

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