Kaizer Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane has defended his decision to start Samkelo Zwane ahead of Siyathemba Sithebe against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The academy product has been lauded for his progression towards first-team promotion over the past 12 months, with his passing range in the number six role one of his key strengths displayed in the DStv Diski Challenge and junior South Africa national teams.
And after an impressive first start in professional football in the 2-0 win over Golden Arrows, Zwane has rewarded him four consecutive starts – three of which have now been defeats.
While his technical ability is not in doubt, the 21-year-old was found wanted in his positional sense and tactical awareness between the fluid diamond midfield system of Sundowns – before he was hauled off for Sithebe at half-time, who produced an inspired display.
“Samkelo, yes, he didn’t have a good game but it wasn’t a mistake for us to start with him, because last week he had a good game and the week before he had a good game, so we don’t want to chop and change the team,” Zwane said when asked by iDiski Times in the post-match press conference.
“Unfortunately for this one, he couldn’t come to the party but it’s part of learning from him, and yes Sithebe did exactly what we expected of him and we expect him going forward to also give this kind of performance and not blow hot and cold.”
Zwane, Mduduzi Shabalala and Wandile Duba all featured as ‘10111’ continued to blood in their development products but with the youth, comes inexperience, which he eluded to as his side continued to be punished for their lack of cutting edge this season.
“So yeah, when you look at the performances of the players, as you saying… we just have to look forward, I’m equally disappointed you know, I don’t know how the players are feeling right now because it’s not like they are performing badly.
“They have been trying their best and unfortunately if it’s one thing letting us down right now is not us taking our chances and opposition punishing us – that’s where we are right now.
We won’t give up, go back to the drawing board, keep training and try to be clinical in front of goals and keep the back door shut.
“If you [really] look at today, I don’t think it was bad, I counted a few chances for Sundowns and us we had more clear-cut [chances], just poor decision making you know. It’s one of those things, I’m not going to blame players, it’s a game of mistakes, and hope they will learn going forward.”
Amakhosi have lost three games in 2023, conceding six and scoring none and have a home game at Royal AM next to try and get back to winning ways.
