Why Maduka sees potential in Andile Mpisane despite poor shape |

Royal AM head coach John Maduka has spoken highly of the club’s chairman Andile Mpisane who’s been making a little headway into being a professional footballer in the PSL.

Mpisane featured in the reserve team this past weekend when his side took on AmaZulu at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.

The youngest PSL chairman, while wearing a captain armband in the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] seemed to be struggling to keep up with the pace of the game and at times, he vanished from the action.

As a result, he was then substituted after the hour mark and according to the reports, he was unhappy with the decision of the technical team.

Now, recalling the fact that Mpisane is a first-team player, it’s Maduka’s duty to monitor him. 

The Malawian tactician was asked about the readiness of the chairman for top-flight football and whether he wasn’t concerned about him being out of shape.

Despite fierce criticism over his performance last week and many not convinced that he’s on the standard of playing professionally, his coach thinks otherwise.

Maduka says Mpisane has the potential to be a pro footballer because age is still on his side. He also believes that the 21-year-old is talented.

When asked if he attends the training, Maduka confidently answered, “Yes, he does train, he does train also with the senior team.”

However, the gaffer minced his words when he responded to a question about the condition of the player-chairman.

JOHN MADUKA SEES POTENTIAL ON ANDILE MPISANE

“Look, he’s still young, a talented player and he’s got potential,” he continued.

“We can’t run away from that, for us to be where we are, we started somewhere.

“So, we give the opportunity to everyone who raises up his hand and say I can do it.

“But I strongly believe that he’s one of the players that have got potential, he’s talented.”

While he’s yet to feature for the senior side in the official game, Mpisane was an unused substitute when AM lost to Richards Bay FC in the DStv Premiership in September last year.

He also got a run when the KZN side defeated Kaizer Chiefs in the Macufe Cup.

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