Junior Khanye on Kaizer Chiefs: ‘The team is moving in the right direction’

Kaizer Chiefs legend Junior Khanye has heaped praise on Amakhosi’s development structures which has helped produce players for the first team.

In last weekend’s Carling Black Label Cup we saw Kaizer Chiefs’ reserve team players Mduduzi Shabalala, Samkelo Zwane and Wandile Duba thrown in the deep end in the Soweto derby and third-place penalty shootout.

Khanye says the club is moving in the right direction.

KHANYE – ‘THERE’S AN IMPROVEMENT’ AT CHIEFS

“Mduduzi needs to be given a greater platform,” Khanye said.

“Coming into a derby at his age and not losing the ball, says a lot. Most players, even those that are experienced, when you throw them in the deep end, they shrink.

“On Saturday, Shabalala went in and changed the game. What I love about Shabalala is that he is very skillful, these are the types of players Chiefs should introduce more.

“To dribble with purpose and create something. Mduduzi, [Samkelo] Zwane, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, I think going forward, Chiefs should introduce these youngsters more regularly.

“But they must not be over-coached, I think that is something that is killing South African football. Since Farouk Khan left, it’s is the first time in so many years, we are able to produce youngsters from the development structures who can raise their hands like these boys are doing now.

“We are talking star players, not inconsistent players who blow hot and cold. If a young boy like Samkelo Zwane can hit a 30-metre forward pass like that, I’m talking about a ground pass, then that boy has got vision, his feet are balanced, you will never take the ball from that boy’s feet. He is not that skillful, but he’s got vision.

“The team is now moving in the right direction. There’s an improvement. But I’m pleading South Africans not to put them under pressure because they are still just kids.”

Kaizer Chiefs starlet Mduduzi Shabalala was on target as the Glamour Boys beat Stellenbosch FC in the DStv Diski Shield on Saturday.