Kaizer Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] head coach, Vela Khumalo, has opened up about his concerns regarding Donay Jansen’s recent dip in form following his unsuccessful loan spell at the now-defunct SuperSport United.
Jansen was long regarded as a standout talent within the Chiefs’ youth structures. His explosive pace and technical ability on the right wing earned him a promotion to the senior team in September 2024.
However, the transition to the South African elite league has proven more difficult than many anticipated for the youngster.
Since his promotion to the first team, the 22-year-old has struggled to secure a permanent spot in the starting eleven, managing to make two appearances across all competitions for Amakhosi.
In an effort to find him regular playing time and gain experience, the Soweto giants opted to loan him to the now-defunct SuperSport United last season. Unfortunately, the move did not yield the desired results. Jansen found game time equally hard to come by at Matsatsantsa, as he only featured in three games.
‘HE IS ONE OF THE PLAYERS I’M WORRIED ABOUT’: VELA KHUMALO
Jansen’s return to Naturena hasn’t gone according to plan. After being sent back to the DDC squad following his loan stint, the youngster’s dip in form has become a point of concern for coach Khumalo.
Coach Khumalo cited that potential burnout and the taxing mental grind of professional football have taken a toll on the player.
However, despite Khumalo’s honest assessment of the state of the player, the coach remains hopeful that they can help Jansen before his talent is wasted.
“You know, he is one of the players I’m really worried about. He has lost everything in him,” Khumalo told FARPost.
“However, I think that with time, we can try to resuscitate his career. We will give it some time and see how it goes.”
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