Sekhukhune United head coach Papi Zothwane has detailed why he prefers starting Nigerian striker Chibuike Ohizu ahead of Namibian forward Bethuel Muzeu in the Babina Noko attack.
Zothwane was addressing the media following Sekhukhune’s 3-1 victory over Richards Bay FC in their Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 encounter at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday night.
Both Ohizu and Muzeu were on target for the Limpopo side, with Thabang Makubo scoring the other goal. Nqaba Xulu netted the consolation goal for the Natal Rich Boyz. Ohizu was also voted Man of the Match by the fans.
The win saw Sekhukhune secure their spot in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals alongside Golden Arrows, Siwelele FC, and AmaZulu FC.
Muzeu joined the Zothwane-led outfit in the last transfer window from Black Leopards following their relegation in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The Namibian attacker has made an immediate impression, contributing three goals and two assists in six appearances across all competitions.
WHY BETHUEL MUZEU ISN’T STARTING MATCHES
Despite Muzeu’s impressive output, Zothwane clarified that team selection is strictly guided by performance and dedication shown on the training pitch.
“Well, the issue with Muzeu is that we play players based on what we see in training. I think with Ohizu, what we observed in training was that Muzeu was not around during the FIFA international break, while Ohizu was doing very well. So, we kept him [Ohizu] based on the performances we witnessed during the FIFA break,” Zothwane explained when asked if Muzeu would start matches given his stellar form.
“If Ohizu is injured or anything happens with cards, then Muzeu is the next one in line. So that’s how we work. Players must fight for their positions; even if he can score two or three goals, he will still sit on the bench when Ohizu is doing well.”
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