Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi says midfielder Sibongiseni “Ox” Mthethwa now understands his role better and that is why he is getting opportunities to play.
Mthethwa had not started any of Chiefs’ first seven games of the season with Nabi later explaining that he could not guarantee him game time since he had not made a great impression on him, but he has been involved in their last two games.
The midfielder was named in the starting XI for the 2-1 win against Richards Bay as well as the 2-2 draw with Magesi and his coach says he is benefiting from collective effort from him and the technical bench.
“I think Ox understands his role. We worked on the negative points. Ox has worked hard on the negative points,” said Nabi as quoted by iDiski Times.
Can the “Ox” nail down a regular place at Chiefs?
“If he works hard and makes progress, he gets his chance. He had to fight for his chance, same for all players. And congratulations for his performance.”
Mthethwa seems to be the beneficiary of the long-term injury to Edson Castillo as Nabi has turned to him to partner captain Yusu Maart in central midfield since the former suffered the setback.
The midfielder arrived at Chiefs from Stellenbosch at the start of last season and played 29 games in all competitions, including 25 in the league last season, but had watched from the periphery as Chiefs went about their business until his involvement against Richards Bay.
He was also among players who were deemed surplus to requirements when Nabi arrived at Chiefs but he did not leave in the off-season despite interest from a host of clubs.
