Why Kaizer Chiefs defender Eric Mathoho has been missing in action
"Eric Mathoho is definitely part and parcel of Kaizer Chiefs."
Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane has revealed why experienced defender Eric Mathoho has been missing in action in the 2022/23 campaign.
Since the beginning of the season, the centre back has been struggling for game time.
So far, the former Bafana Bafana international, Mathoho, has only played one minute in the DStv Premiership back in September 2022 in a game against SuperSport United.
Chiefs have been shaky at the back, conceding silly goals. So far, they have let in 21 goals in 18 matches.
And the club’s supporters have been calling for the inclusion of the experienced Mathoho as they believe he might help stabilise the backline and solve the defensive problems.
WHY ERIC MATHOHO HAS BEEN MISSING IN ACTION
According to the Zwane, Mathoho is part of his plans, however he’s been unlucky when it comes to injuries.
“Eric [Mathoho] is definitely part and parcel [of the team]. He played a huge role in the past and even now,” Zwane told the media.
“He’s just unfortunate not only him, he’s one of the players that have been injury prone this season.
“Last week or two weeks ago, if I’m not mistaken, we were preparing him for a game, and, he couldn’t make it because of a toe injury.
“We thought he would be fully recovered last week; he started jogging; when we thought he was ready, it [injury] troubled him, then we had to rest him until up to now, he hasn’t recovered fully.
OTHER PLAYERS WHO ARE IN ERIC MATHOHO’S SITUATION
The Chiefs coach went on to further reveal other players who find themselves in a similar situation like Mathoho.
“It’s not only him [Mathoho]; Cole Alexander, Khama [Billiat] and [Phathutshedzo] Nange as well are in that situation,” added Zwane.
“There’s about four, five, six senior players that have been in same situation which is a worrying factor but we cannot force matters.
“We have to wait for the right moment for them to be ready then throw them to the game. We know they can add value unfortunately at the moment they are not available because of injuries.
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