Exciting Kaizer Chiefs teenager puts his hand up for selection

Nkgwesa says he’s ready for Kaizer Chiefs

Kabelo Nkgwesa was given a run-out in Chiefs’ first friendly match of the tour, a 1-1 draw against Scottish giants Rangers. After getting a taste of first-team football, the 19-year-old left-back, nicknamed ‘Festival’, wants more.

“I got to play 20 minutes in the first match and I got a sense of the difference in how they play compared to us, especially their physicality and endurance, which allowed them to finish stronger, so it is important that we earmark that as an area where we can improve,” he admitted, adding, “Also, it’s good to learn about game management, when to pass, the weight of the pass. Those seemingly small things can make a big difference in a match situation.”

“This is my second pre-season with the first-team squad, and I am very happy and grateful to be here,” he says, before offering some motivational advice to any youth player wanting to make it in the game, “I would say to any ambitious youngster coming through the development academy that if they just keep working hard, stay dedicated and show character by stepping up every time when it matters, it is possible to get to here. You can be an individual sometimes but always be a team player.”

“I want to thank our fans for their support. We know you are not here right now, but we can feel your love from home. We are very excited to come back and show what we have been working on in Spain.”

Could Chiefs sell Duba?

Wandile Duba is arguably the best finisher at Kaizer Chiefs, and he’s popular among fans as a result. Now 22 years old, the versatile attacker can play through the middle as a number 9 or as a wide player in a front three. A return of three goals and two assists in 18 league outings last term isn’t brilliant, but he does have a knack for scoring spectacular goals, often in big games. Meanwhile, Ashley Du Preez is likely to leave the club after a dramatic drop in his foal-scoring output and worrying injury issues.