Khumalo reveals what’s delaying the promotion of Hlongwane and Mbuthu
Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] coach Vela Khumalo has revealed what’s delaying the promotion of Amakhosi rising stars like Naledi Hlongwane and Nkosana Mbuthu to the first team.
This past Sunday, the Chiefs DDC hammered Golden Arrows 4-0 at the newly renovated Seshego Stadium. The victory took Amakhosi to the second place on the table with 39 points.
However, the Khumalo-coached side has one game in hand and is two points short of log leaders and defending champions Stellenbosch FC, who have collected 41 points from 18 outings.
Interestingly, both Hlongwane and Mbuthu were on the scoresheet when Amakhosi beat Abafana Bes’thende. Hlongwane scored a brace with Kabelo Nkgwesa and Mbuthu scoring the other two goals.
The Soweto giants are actively integrating young talent into their first-team setup, with both Hlongwane and Mbuthu participating in training sessions under coach Nasreddine Nabi. Left-back Mbuthu gained valuable match experience, starting for Chiefs against Young Africans SC of Tanzania during the Toyota Cup tournament held at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Forward Hlongwane has also made significant strides. He was selected for the Carling All Stars squad that faced Magesi FC in the Carling Cup in December 2024. During that match, Hlongwane delivered a standout performance, scoring two goals and earning the Man of the Match award, along with a R100,000 prize.”
WHY NALEDI HLONGWANE AND NKOSANA MBUTHU ARE YET TO BE PROMOTED
Khumalo explained that they have taken a “break” from promoting players to the first as they are waiting for coach Nabi to get his philosophy right within the senior team.
“Look, we are giving that a little bit of a break [promoting players to the first team]. This is because our main team head coach [Nasreddine Nabi] is still trying to get his legs in and his philosophy right,” said Khumalo.
“So, when that is done, we will look at our development and say, ‘Now we can promote them to senior team.’
“But since that is not happening at the moment, we say, ‘Let’s play, maybe create our chances, and see if we can take this title [DDC]’.”
Chiefs’ next match in the DDC will be on Sunday, 23 against Sekhukhune United at 12:00. The game will take place at Isak Steyl Stadium, Vaal University of Technology.
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