Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane has issued his verdict on the club’s under-fire midfielder Kamohelo Mahlatsi.
Zwane started the Sekhukhune United clash on Saturday evening with the same team that emerged victorious against Golden Arrows 2-0 last weekend, again showing faith in Mahlatsi.
However, the 24-year-old had an underwhelming game as Chiefs, who were celebrating their 53rd birthday on the night, were beaten 1-0 by Sekhukhune in a DStv Premiership game.
Mahlatsi joined Chiefs at the start of the current season on a three-year deal from Swallows.
His arrival at the Soweto giants was met with mixed reactions from fans. Some were questioning his pedigree and quality.
ARTHUR ZWANE ON KAMOHELO MAHLATSI
“When it comes to Mahlatsi, we want to give all the players an opportunity because this is a massive team. We want to see which players can deal with the pressure and which ones can’t,” said Zwane.
“So, we can know where we are going. And so far, so good. I think he did well last week, and he hasn’t been playing regularly for some time.
“He was bound to get tired quickly. In the second half against Sekhukhune, he got tired. He had a chance to score and found himself in a good position, but it wasn’t to be. But the fact that he was there in the right position to score is positive. I believe next time he will bury it.”
Mahlatsi had made five appearances in all competitions for Chiefs without making any meaningful contribution.
And his coach Zwane believes the midfielder and other new players will finally get it right and reach greater heights.
“We will k on encouraging the players until they get it right, I’m happy with him [Mahlatsi], and I was a player myself, and a player doesn’t only need one chance to prove himself,” added Zwane.
“But unfortunately, at some point, the competition is stiff, and if our players are available, this is a game of opportunities; if you are given an opportunity, you need to grab it with both hands.”
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