How Ndumiso Mabena and Given Mashikinya’s experience benefit PLK City
Polokwane City coach Lehlohonolo Seema has explained how Ndumiso Mabena and Given Mashikinya’s experiences have been benefiting Rise and Shine since they returned to the top-flight.
The former Orlando Pirates striker, Mabena, recently joined the Limpopo club in the just-ended September transfer window period.
The veteran forward has been without a club after he parted ways with the Buccaneers in June 2023.
Meanwhile, Mashikinya signed for the Polokwane outfit at the beginning of the season after the player was released by Sekhukhune United.
LEHLOHONOLO SEEMA ON NDUMISO MABENA
With PLK City having devised a special arrangement that will benefit their young players, the side saw a need to bring Mabena and Mashikinya to help them achieve their ultimate goal.
So far, the presence of the veteran duo is proving to be helpful to forge links with the club’s youngsters to gain the much-needed experience.
When Seema was asked about the importance of having Mabena in the team and playing in different roles, the coach said; “That is why he was brought in [for his experience]. He is helping us. Like I said, he will guide the players [with his experience].
“He will work like glue just to hold the ball so that other players can come and put them in the game.
“[In our recent game] he started as a midfielder and he ended up being a striker. So, you can see that if he can play two positions at his age he is a good asset for the team. We will manage him well and we are happy with his progress so far.
SEEMA ON GIVEN MASHIKINYA’S ROLE
Seema highlighted that it’s players like Mashikinya who will make his side gel well and reach the promised land.
“Look, the senior players are coming to the party. They are working hard and soon or later, the other guys around them will take from his experience,” Seema added.
“This team will be one of the teams that will be playing good football. People will be able to see that the players understand each other.
“It’s a work in progress. Let’s remember that it’s only nine games into the new season and this team is still new.”
The former Chippa United mentor continued: “For us to be here we cannot really celebrate. However, we can only say that football is progress and we believe in progress.”
As things stand, PLK City are placed fifth in the DStv Premiership log standings with 14 points from nine outings.
This comes after the side played out to a 0-0 draw with arch-rivals Sekhukhune United over the weekend.
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