Mngqithi explains why Arthur Zwane deserves credit for Chiefs project
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has explained why Arthur Zwane deserves credit for the Kaizer Chiefs project following a great start to the season.
Amakhosi have had a perfect start to the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season after winning their two opening league games. Chiefs beat Marumo Gallants 2-1 in the first match of the season at Toyota Stadium two weeks ago. Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala found the back of the net in each half to give the Soweto giants all three points.
In the second match under the guidance of Nasreddine Nabi, Chiefs claimed an impressive 3-1 victory over AmaZulu FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium this past Wednesday.
The Glamour Boys are level on points with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates who have also won their first two matches this season.
Interestingly, Chiefs have won two opening matches in the league for the first time in five years. The good start has brought renewed hopes to the club’s high-demanding supporters.
MNGQITHI HAILS ZWANE FOR UNLEASHING YOUNGSTERS AT CHIEFS
While acknowledging the great work done by new coach Nabi since arriving at Chiefs, Mngqithi says credit must go to Arthur Zwane for unleashing players such as Mduduzi Shabalala and Samkelo Zwane.
The highly rated youngsters who came through the Chief’s development structures will play a big role in helping the Naturena-based side compete this season.
“I would not want to give this one [giving youngsters a chance] to coach Nabi, I would first want to give it to Arthur Zwane,” Mngqithi told the media.
“I think Arthur Zwane is the one who unveiled a lot of these youngsters to us. He gave them opportunities and it’s these players who took Kaizer Chiefs to the [CAF] Champions League final if you remember very well.
“Unfortunately, the change of leadership brought them a little backwards and I do believe that had these players continued from that time until now, I think by now they will be highly respected.
“They showed very early that they have something different, I must say that I also appreciate the fact that coach Nabi has realised that sometimes we get stuck in this thing of players having experience.
“Sometimes we must just throw the players into the deep end and see what they can do. I must say, I appreciate what coach Nabi has done, more especially coming from a foreign coach. All of them are coming nicely, Wandile Duba, Mduduzi Shabalala, [Mfundo] Vilakazi and Samkelo Zwane are impressing me.”
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