Former Kaizer Chiefs centre-back Thomas Sweswe has issued a challenge to the club’s current defenders, urging them to elevate their performance to match the ‘consistently high standards’ set by Inacio Miguel.
Sweswe stated that the current defensive line of Chiefs are, in essence, “letting Miguel down” with their inconsistent displays. However, he is pleased with how Miguel has shown class in the heart of the Amakhosi defence.
The Zimbabwean thinks Miguel is the embodiment of what a Chiefs defender must be. The 29-year-old Miguel has often been partnered with Rushwin Dortley in the centre-back position. He has also featured in 24 games across all competitions, including 19 in the Betway Premiership. He has four goals to his name.
Though he has stood tall in the team’s rearguard, Chiefs has struggled to keep consistent clean sheets. They have been penetrated eight times in the last six matches.
And Sweswe, who spent three years in Chief’s ranks, reckons Miguel’s efforts have not been well complemented. He believes Miguel stands out due to his precise timing and strength when challenging opponents.
WHAT SWESWE SAID ABOUT INACIO MIGUEL’S EXCEPTIONAL QUALITIES
In an interview with FARPost, Sweswe said the other defenders are letting Miguel down by not fully complementing his input. Sweswe is convinced Miguel has been Chiefs’ point of difference in the defence department.
“From the way I see it, he [Miguel] has been so consistent for the team, and he needs to be complemented. The other defenders who play with him must raise their game, including the goalkeeper,” Sweswe told FARPost.
“Miguel is an international defender, and you can see it in the way he applies himself; he is dependable. And for me, he is the most important and dependable centre-back they have right now. The others must raise their game and reach his level so that they can be a solid unit. During our time, we were an interesting blend of defenders who were also playing for their national teams.
“That was a key factor for us in raising our game because we worked hard to keep our places at both club and national team level. We had Jimmy Tau and Punch Masenamela, who were key players in Bafana Bafana.
“I was playing for The Warriors [Zimbabwe]. Valery Nahayo was a vital player for Burundi. So we really pushed each other, and playing for national teams helped us improve our game.”
‘MIGUEL CAN BE THE KAIZER CHIEFS CAPTAIN’
Sweswe opines the gangly defender has leadership qualities that make him suitable for the team’s captaincy. Yusuf Maart is the current Chiefs captain.
“He has those important qualities: command and consistency, which are needed by a Kaizer Chiefs leader. He has them, so In my view, he deserves such a role,” added Sweswe.
The centre-back signed a three-year contract to join Chiefs in August 2024 after an excellent spell at Petro de Luanda in Angola.
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