Sibongiseni Mthethwa’s Faces a Tough Challenge at Kaizer Chiefs First Profile
Sibongiseni Mthethwa faces a tough challenge to secure playing time at Kaizer Chiefs after rejecting a loan move. Can he overcome odds?
Sibongiseni Mthethwa must step up his game to convince head coach Nasreddine Nabi to give him the playing time he desperately seeks at Kaizer Chiefs, according to Kick Off.
After pulling the handbrake on a proposed loan move, Mthethwa finds himself in a challenging position just one year after joining the club during a tumultuous season.
Struggles to find form after joining Chiefs
Mthethwa arrived at Chiefs with high hopes, but the promise he showed at Stellenbosch FC has yet to materialise at Naturena. Despite making 20 appearances, he completed full matches in only half of those games—a concerning statistic for a holding midfielder. “He wasn’t used in another seven games,” highlighting his struggle for consistent play.
With the arrival of Nabi and numerous off-season changes, Mthethwa now faces stiff competition from Yusuf Maart, Samkelo Zwane, Edson Castillo, and Njabulo Blom, who will take precedence in the central midfield slots. As a result, Chiefs have made Mthethwa available for loan to clubs like Chippa United and Magesi FC.
However, the 30-year-old midfielder opted to stay and fight for his place, aiming to prove he deserves to be back in the spotlight, just as he was during his time with Bafana Bafana.
Long-term commitment: Mthethwa’s contract
Mthethwa’s contract with Kaizer Chiefs runs until June 2026, presenting him with a crucial opportunity to showcase his tenacity and skills. Having enjoyed regular playing time at Stellenbosch and Black Leopards, he must now adapt to a more competitive environment at Chiefs.
Kaizer Chiefs’ assistant coach situation
In addition to Mthethwa’s challenges, Kaizer Chiefs face their own struggles in filling the vacant assistant coach position. Sources indicate that the club’s complications arise from unresolved contractual issues surrounding Fernando Da Cruz, who remains tied to Chiefs due to Moroccan Football Federation matters.
“The Moroccan FA was supposed to pay a settlement agreement for Da Cruz, which they haven’t done yet, and that’s what is delaying everything at the moment,” revealed one insider. The club had already paid Da Cruz his signing-on fee during pre-season camp in Turkey, complicating matters further.
Both Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Kaizer Chiefs find themselves at a crossroads. Mthethwa’s determination to earn game time and the club’s ongoing assistant coach dilemma highlight the challenges they must overcome to achieve success. Fans eagerly await developments as both the player and the club strive for a brighter future.
Stay tuned with The South African for more updates as Sibongiseni Mthethwa fight for game time at Kaizer Chiefs.
Let us know your thoughts by clicking on the comment tab below this article. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook.