Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has discussed the technical team’s plan for left-back Bongani Sam.
Sam finally made his first appearance in Amakhosi colours since penning a deal with the Soweto giants during the off-season.
A series of unfortunate injuries plagued the former Orlando Pirates fullback during pre-season. Just days after arriving in Turkey for pre-season, the 27-year-old had to return home due to injury.
While Sam was injured, the club went on to sign Bradley Cross, who has been first choice left-back since arriving from Golden Arrows. But on Saturday, he came on as a substitute during the Home of Legends Cup tournament against Arrows.
Sam is expected to make his first competitive appearance for Chiefs after the upcoming FIFA international break.
Chiefs defeated Mamelodi Sundowns in a dramatic penalty shootout, 5-4, to claim the first edition of the Home of Legends Cup after a goalless draw at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
The Soweto giants cruised to a 2-0 victory in the first semi-final Golden Arrows, while Sundowns battled to a 1-1 draw with Chippa United before prevailing in a thrilling penalty shootout.
WHAT CEDRIC KAZE SAID ABOUT BONGANI SAM
Kaze expressed optimism about Sam’s future at the club but has cautioned against rushing the defender into action.
While the Home of Legends appearance was brief, Kaze believes it’s a step in the right direction.
“Bongani Sam has been injured for quite some time and we didn’t want to rush him into a lot of minutes,” Kaze explained.
“We want to give him minutes gradually. He played between 15 and 20 minutes this morning [Saturday]. We felt this is just the beginning, we will keep working on him as everyone else.”
The former Bloemfontein Celtic fullback will have to battle with Cross and Happy Mashiane for the left-back position at Kaizer Chiefs. He offers a different profile of a fullback for Coach Nasreddine Nabi with his abilities in attack.
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