Arthur Zwane has explained why defender Siyabonga Ngezana continues to be selected despite his poor performances for Kaizer Chiefs in recent matches.
There were a few shocked supporters when Ngezana was named in the Chiefs starting XI, just two matches after his costly mistakes saw Chiefs being battered 4-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns.
Ngezana was subject to a few heckling from a faction of the crowd’s supporters in their 2-0 loss to Cape Town City, where he featured as a right back on the night.
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Now, head coach Zwane explained the rationale behind the 23-year-old’s continued selection, stating that the best way for Ngezana to recover from his costly blunders is to get as much game-time as possible.
“Football is a game of mistakes and the only way we’ll protect any player, not only Siya, is by giving them the opportunity to play. His performances will obviously convince our supporters as time goes on,” Zwane told the media.
Zwane, in addition revealed that Ngezana’s ability to win his individual duals makes him a key component of the way Amakhosi want to play, making it difficult for him to be dropped from the matchday squad.
“We do have other players who are doing well, but you look at the way we want to play, you’ve got players that you want them to win their 1 vs 1 battles. So, some of the players we have are very good but not in winning those 1 vs 1 battles and Siya is one of those players who can win the battles at the back; and Zitha [Kwinika] and Mapholoba [Njabulo Ngcobo] who has been out for some time, at least now he’s doing well. He’s been given the opportunity to play.
“So, we are actually looking for that tactical understanding in terms of the balance at the back when we defend, so we’ll be changing… Obviously, there will be games where we are playing with three, and there will be games where we are playing with two central defenders and then the fullbacks,” he explained.
Via – Soccer Laduma
