Kaizer Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane has reserved special praise for Kgaogelo Sekgota who has upped his game this season.
The 25-year-old winger had to be content with starts on the bench last season, but has now become a regular in Amakhosi’s starting line-up.
Sekgota has been influential in Amakhosi’s attack and in winning fouls in dangerous areas, including penalties.
ZWANE HEAPS PRAISE ON SEKGOTA
“He has been one of our best payers, much improved from last season when he was mainly an impact player,” said Zwane.
“Now he is doing it for 90 minutes, showing character and taking the game to the opposition. He is more direct and you need those types of players to put opponents under pressure.
The left-winger was recently called up to join the Bafana Bafana squad that will take on Sierra Leone and Botswana later this month.
Zwane added: “I’m happy to see him called up. You can see from his performance today that he did deserve his call-up and we’ll give him all the support he needs which will boost his confidence.”
In other news, Zwane says he always knew that their new striker Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana was going to score goals for them.
The Burundian striker grabbed a brace during Amakhosi’s 2-1 victory over SuperSport United in their DStv Premiership match on Saturday evening at the FNB Stadium.
It was a first start for the 24-year-old having come off the bench twice against Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu in Chiefs’ last two matches.
Zwane hailed Bimenyimana’s agility in front of goal.
ZWANE ON BIMENYIMANA: ‘I BELIEVE IN HIM’
“To be a coach you have to be a leader and you have to believe in your players,” Zwane said as per Kaizer Chiefs’ website.
“They know that I believe in them. In many ways, football is a game of mistakes. Every player makes mistakes and I always remind them not to focus on their mistakes but rather focus on the good things that can get the best out of them.
“That’s why I encouraged him because when a player out on the field looks at the bench and sees that maybe I doubt his ability that will kill his confidence as well, so I have to lift him up.
“Caleb is giving us a different dimension. He is very quick and explosive to attack the near post. We need that type of striker and that’s why we had to take our time in terms of bringing someone in and make sure that when we brought him in we had to complement him so he can fit into the way we play.
“Obviously, we had to profile him properly and be sure of the way he could help us. I always knew he was going to score goals for us.”