A former Kaizer Chiefs star has offered wise words of wisdom to the club’s midfielder, Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa, on what to do to reach their full potential.
Mthethwa has remained a firm part of Amakhosi coach Nasreddine Nabi’s plans this season and has played in 12 matches across all competitions.
The 30-year-old defensive midfielder proved his worth to the Tunisian mentor as his future looked uncertain at the start of the season.
He has managed to claw back into favour at the club, although injuries have hindered him. The midfield workhorse enforcer recently recovered from an injury that sidelined him for a number of games.
‘Ox’ Mthethwa arrived at Chiefs from Stellenbosch FC in September 2023 after showing his exceptional positional discipline and a high work rate in midfield.
Just like ex-Chiefs stars Willard Katsande and Tinashe Nengomasha, ‘Ox’ Mthethwa has the qualities of a reliable anchorman. His ability to shield the defence, mopping up loose balls and linking them to the midfield is undoubted.
However, Thomas Sweswe, a former Kaizer Chiefs centre-back, believes the stocky anchorman hasn’t reached full potential.
WHAT SWESWE SAID ABOUT ‘OX’ MTHETHWA
In an interview with FARPost, Sweswe, who has followed ‘Ox’ Mthethwa with keen interest, said that the player must change his mindset and study what Katsande and Nengomasha did to be unique during their time at the club.
“Ox is a grafter, and if you notice, Kaizer Chiefs were always a fiery team when they had such grafters. Look back at the time of Nengomasha. He was well-known as a midfield general. You can also say the same for Willard Katsande,” Sweswe told FARPost.
“He was also a grafter. I think ‘Ox should study them because, in my view, they are his models. Of course, there are other midfielders but even in terms of strength, he is the one that can push us.
“For him, it can only be a change of mindset that sets him apart and help him improve. At the same time, I think a chat with someone like Katsande can help him change his mindset.
“Even Nengomasha [Tinashe] is one person that is helpful. They can show him the light so that he reaches his full potential. But this is not to say he must copy them, but they can help him reach his best level, especially since they both excelled in that same position he plays.”
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