Former Sabelo Radebe’s coach at youth level, Themba Dlamini of the Celta Academy Evaton, has shared his thoughts on the midfielder’s situation at Kaizer Chiefs.
Dlamini discovered and nurtured young Radebe, helping him to join the Chiefs development programme a few years ago.
Radebe’s strong performances with the reserve team in the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] led to the pint-sized midfielder’s promotion to the senior team in the 2020/21 PSL season, where he made one appearance.
The midfielder has struggled for playing time in his five seasons with the Soweto giants, making only 17 appearances in all competitions. His best season with Amakhosi was in the 2021/22 season when he made 10 appearances and recorded one assist.
Then, in the last two seasons [2022/23 and 2023/24], he only made three appearances, respectively.
THEMBA DLAMINI SPEAKS ON SABELO RADEBE’S STRUGGLES AT CHIEFS
Dlamini says Radebe is one of the best players he ever discovered. He doesn’t understand why he hasn’t been given a chance to showcase what he can do for the Soweto giants.
He further believes it’s high time for the 24-year-old to go out on loan to rediscover his form and boost his confidence.
“He’s one of the top talents that I have ever discovered and groomed. I was happy when Chiefs signed him; he did well in the reserve team [DStv Diski Challenge],” Dlamini told FARPost.
“When he was promoted to the first team, I saw the next Doctor Khumalo at Kaizer Chiefs. He can play well in that number 10 role [attacking midfielder]. However, things didn’t go according to plan for him there.
“Season after season, I’m still waiting for him to be given an opportunity to showcase his talent. I don’t know, maybe something happened there at Chiefs for him not to play.
“I think, in this case, Radebe should move away from the club on loan. He should go revive his career elsewhere, where he will get more playing time and get so much confidence.”
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