Arthur Zwane justifies struggles of Ashley Du Preez earlier this season

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane has offered an explanation on why Ashley Du Preez struggled to settle at the club early in the season.

By the look of things, ‘10111’ is now content with what he’s currently seeing in the 25-year-old forward.

The former Stellenbosch man has been one of the key players for the Glamour Boys lately.

He also played a huge role in the Glamour Boys’ 3-2 victory over Maritzburg United on Saturday night. He provided an assist for Keagan Dolly’s goal and they brought him down in the box for Chiefs to get a penalty that proved to be a match-winner.

Zwane says injuries hindered Du Preez’s progress, as a result, it took him some time to gel with the side.

ARTHUR ZWANE ON THE UPTURN OF ASHLEY DU PREEZ

“We have always believed in Ash [Ashley Du Preez], top player, top striker, very explosive, team player as well,” he said in response to FARPost.

“Unfortunately for him, his progress was hampered by injuries. Whenever he came back, when we thought he would regain his form, then some niggling injuries would take him off for some time.

“And yes he’s one of the players that has been unfortunate with injuries but I’m happy now he’s doing well for himself.

“He’s managed to play 90 minutes and actually the turning point in Ash was when he played in this very same field when we played Maritzburg when he played 120 minutes.

“I was happy to see him doing that and I said no as long we can be able to keep him on the field for the entire 90 minutes, anything can happen in our favour at any given time.”

Since signing for Chiefs, the Stellenbosch-born has taken part in 22 games in all competitions. He has put his name on the scoresheet six times while he provided two assists.

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