Esperance coach gives assessment of Mokwana’s progress after early struggles
Esperance head coach Maher Kanzari has given an honest assessment of Elias Mokwana’s progress at the club after the Bafana Bafana international initially struggled for form.
The pacey winger joined the Tunisian giants in July 2024 from Betway Premiership side Sekhukhune United. Before signing with Esperance, Mokwana was a standout performer at Sekhukhune during the 2023/24 campaign.
At Babina Noko, the 25-year-old played 36 matches in all competitions, scored five goals, and contributed five assists. Mokwana’s impressive form during his time with the Limpopo-based side earned him a regular place in the Bafana Bafana squad. The talented attacker was part of Hugo Broos’ squad that won the bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON in the Ivory Coast.
Meanwhile, Mokwana was also close to signing with Kaizer Chiefs in the off-season before making a switch to North Africa.
MOKWANA FACED DIFFICULTIES WITH UNPAID SALARIES AT ESPERANCE
In his early days at Esperance, the former Platinum City Rovers star was seemingly affected by unpaid salaries, among other things, such as adjusting to life in Tunisia, in the first couple of months.
At the time, FARPost reported that Mokwana and his representatives gave the club an ultimatum to pay the outstanding salaries or they would terminate the contract.
The financial turmoil between Esperance and Mokwana has been resolved, and the player looks to have rediscovered his best form. In 27 games, he scored five goals and provided four assists.
Speaking to the media at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Monday afternoon, Esperance tactician Maher Kanzari has admitted that Mokwana is adapting well after struggling initially.
“Mokwana is a quality player, there is no doubt about that. If he’s playing for Bafana Bafana and Esperance, it means that he’s really a good player,” Kanzari said.
“So he’s been struggling at the beginning, the first three months, but now he’s adapting well, he has a lot of potential. If he can continue working hard, he can do very well because he’s adapting to the culture of Esperance.”
Mokwana, who has scored three goals and provided two assists in six Champions League matches, will be expected to play a key role when Esperance take on Sundowns in the first leg of the quarterfinal on Tuesday afternoon [15:00] in Pretoria.
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