Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi is still offering no guarantees to midfielder Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa that he will be part of his plans at the club.
Mthethwa was 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 teams.
He, however, returned recently and was involved in the Home of Legends Cup, which Chiefs won after a penalty shootout with Mamelodi Sundowns, putting in an impressive display, but it appears like Nabi’s mind is already made up regarding the former Stellenbosch star.
“You understand with Ox, in pre-season when I came, I think Ox understood he won’t be a starting XI player,” Nabi told the media.
Is this the end for Mthethwa at Kaizer Chiefs?
“Maybe mentally this affected Ox, after that, I have seen him improve his morale, giving maximum in training for a comeback, he’s got a specific profile, different from the other midfielders.
“My game needs specific qualities from some players, but Ox’s profile, he has quality, he offers balance to the team but right now, he understands [the situation] he has competition and it’s open for all players [to impress].”
Mthethwa, who played 29 games in all competitions, including 25 in the league last season, is yet to be involved competitively for Chiefs this term, a worrying situation for the midfielder who was highly rated when he arrived at Chiefs in 2023.
However, with Edson Castillo out with a long-term injury, the 30-year-old will hope to be involved given the limited options for Nabi in central midfield.
