Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki is happy with the performance of Sibongiseni “Ox” Mthethwa, Amakhosi’s newly acquired midfield workhorse.
Mthethwa made his debut for the Glamour Boys against Sekhukhune United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday evening, a game that Chiefs won 2-1.
Elias Mokwana opened scoring for “Ba Bina Noko” on the stroke of half-time before Edson Castillo equalised.
Amakhosi’s left-back Dove, who was chosen as man-of-the-match, sealed it and got the winner for Chiefs towards full-time.
However, it was Mthethwa who was the talk of town following his high-profile transfer from Stellenbosch FC to Amakhosi last week.
Already before he could wear Amakhosi’s jersey, a lot was expected from the muscular holding midfielder.
On Wednesday, which was his debut, he replaced crowd-favourite Castillo after fans had called for Yusuf Maart to be substituted instead of the Venezuelan.
“I think he [Mthethwa] did well in his first game. He showed quality and everyone around him responded positively,” Ntseki told the SuperSport TV crew after the match.
“If you look at the energy levels, it was key. Also, it’s not only being tired from the physical side, decision-making was a bit of a challenge for us today.
“When you look at Yusuf and Castillo, they were fully aware that they had put in a full shift on Saturday, and with us having Mthethwa on the bench was managing the situation.
“Bringing him [Mthethwa] in was us saying now is the time to take the game to them, with stability off course coming from Mthethwa.”
Amakhosi, who leapfrogged to fifth position on the DStv Premiership log, will have a break this weekend due to CAF fixtures that involve South African teams.
The break will provide Ntseki with an opportunity to fine-tune his team’s tactics before returning to action against Cape Town City at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.
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