Why Zwane is frozen out at Kaizer Chiefs

Midfield player Samkelo Zwane has found game time hard to come by in recent weeks for Kaizer Chiefs.

Zwane is out in the cold for now

22-year-old central midfield general Samkelo Zwane has made only seven league appearances this term, the most recent of those coming as a substitute against Richards Bay.

“I’ve spoken to the youngsters about this. It’s always difficult for any football coach to play young players when the team is not playing consistently well because your fear as a coach is that the pressure on the younger players, under the difficult circumstances, might affect them negatively. I don’t think it’s a matter of the coach (Why Zwane isn’t playing). I think it’s because the team (Chiefs) is struggling to end any sort of consistently. It’s difficult to blame the technical staff for not wanting to play young players.” Makaab told Soccer-Laduma.

Kaizer Chiefs latest transfer news players — Kaizer Chiefs players hold a short prayer before training at Naturena. Image: @kaizerchiefs/X.

A loan move away from Kaizer Chiefs is still on the cards

“I think it would be premature to discuss anything of this nature, I would say that one would only look at [potential loan moves] come the end of this season. Obviously, we would, as we [ProSport] do with all football clubs, sit with the football club (Chiefs) and discuss each and every player we represent, get feedback from the club, and if the club believes it’s worthwhile and better for the player’s development. For him [Zwane] or any player, let’s forget about Samkelo but any player in general, for a player to go out on loan and if we believe and support the narrative, we’ll get behind doing it but making sure the loan is one where we believe the player has got an opportunity for game time and [good] minutes.” Makaab told to iDiski Times.

There’s still a future for Zwane

Samkelo Zwane has been a bit-part player this season after the 22-year-old midfield schemer has fallen down the pecking order. Coach Cavin Johnson has favoured more experienced options Yusuf Maart, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Edson Castillo and even the soon-departing Siyethemba Sithebe. This situation didn’t look likely at the back end of the last campaign when Zwane became a fixture in the Amakhosi engine room. Whether or not he can return after a potential loan move is up for debate. In August last year, Zwane signed a new five-year contract so it would be a surprise if the club didn’t wait another season at least before making a definitive decision.