Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki has had his say on Sibongiseni Mthethwa, saying his qualities are clear for everyone to see as when he did the warm-ups fans went completely berserk as they beat Sekhukhune United on Wednesday.
It was clear that Mthethwa is the fan favourite and is the player that Chiefs have been craving for a while to appease their fans, who have seen top talents signed by Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates respectively in recent times right under their noses.
Pirates were also interested in Mthethwa but it was going to be surprising to see him joining them having had a plethora of options in the central midfielder role, which saw them pull out in the race, allowing Chiefs to streak clear.
Chiefs won Mthethwa’s signature after they triggered his release clause from Stellenbosch, where he was a key member of the side, giving the captain armband as Deono Van Rooyen was out injured.
Mthethwa, when he was doing the warm-ups in Durban on Wednesday, a crowd was left on its feet and when he entered the fray for goal scorer Edson Castillo, Amakhosi’s cheer went through the roof as they beat Sekhukhune 2-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
“We all know the qualities Mthethwa has,” said Ntseki when asked by iDiski Times by the adulation he received from Chiefs fans.
“That is the name the club brought to come in and add value in terms of qualities. I think you can tell how talented he is – he is a leader, on the pitch he is a fighter, very intelligent in terms of tactical understanding.”
When the 29-year-old Mthethwa came on in the 64th minute, the score was levelled at 1-1 after Castillo had cancelled Elias Mokwana’s first half goal, before Edmilson Dove’s far post header settled the match in Chiefs favour, making Mthethwa’s debut memorable one at the club that is clamouring for every ounce of success.
“When he came in, he gave us the balance, he gave us what we needed, especially after we realised that we needed some fresh legs,” added Ntseki.
Chiefs and Mthethwa next turn on a Cape Town City side which has not won in six matches in all competitions, at FNB Stadium on Tuesday (19:30).
