Kaizer Chiefs told to manage expectation over Mokwana

Kaizer Chiefs have been warned against expecting too much from new signing Elias Mokwana.

Chiefs signed Mokwana as a free agent last week with the 27-year-old winger adding quality and experience to coach Fernando da Cruz’s team.

While there is excitement among fans over Mokwana’s arrival, one of his former teammates is warning against loading it all on his shoulders at Naturena.

Elias Mokwana after signing for Kaizer Chiefs. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Former Sekhukhune United captain Linda Mntambo, who played with Mokwana, has endorsed his move to Chiefs but with caution to the club and its fans.

Kaizer Chiefs warned over new signing

“No individual will solve the team’s problems. Let’s not put Elias Mokwana under immense pressure,” he said on the The CARWASH Podcast as quoted by Soccer Laduma.

“Yes, football in itself is a pressure game. And pressure is a privilege. It means something is expected of you.”

Mntambo then went into details over the special qualities of the winger which he feels will serve Chiefs well.

Kaizer Chiefs new signing Elias Mokwana and Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

“And I’ve seen him grow at Sekhukhune. You know, [he] came in rough, you know, that rough diamond, you know, speed, dribble, but he’d lose so many balls. But one thing about him is that he’s coachable. He’s a sponge. He can absorb, he can listen. And that’s what’s going to take him far,” he added.

“I think one thing with Kaizer Chiefs, they found a player that is hardworking, a player that is humble. I think where he comes from, he comes from humble beginnings. He knows to be the lowest of the lowest of life. So I hope that he still has that within him.

What Amakhosi can expect from Mokwana

“And then when he gets there, Kaizer Chiefs, he should not go there and think he’s a big star, he’s a superstar. There’s been so many players signed by Kaizer Chiefs back in the days who thought they were superstars but didn’t make it.”

Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr with Elias Mokwana after his signing. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

The former midfielder also believes young players like Wandile Duba, Mfundo Vilakazi, Mduduzi Shabalala, Faiz Abrahams, Luke Baartman, Asanele Velebayi and Langelihle Phili will benefit immensely from having Mokwana around.

“When I was at Sekhukhune, I would never make the box and not get a cutback from a Mokwana. So more than him getting the shine, he is a player that can also serve. And I think Kaizer Chiefs have found themselves a gem in that position,” he stated, describing Mokwana as a team player.

“I always believe that that’s what makes a good team great, you know, when you have two, three equally talented players in that same position is what makes the team great. What people see on match day is [a] cherry on top. It’s dessert. The hard work happens at training. That’s where iron sharpens iron.”