MDC’S own Adebayor

KAIZER Chiefs are set to unleash their next-gen talisman in the 2016/17 campaign, with plenty expected from 20-year-old MultiChoice Diski Challenge star Emmanuel Letlotlo. The striker was crowned the Reserve League’s top goalscorer last season, having managed nine goals in 15 games. As reported on KickOff.com, ‘Adebayor’ was recently rewarded with a threeyear first team contract ntract at Naturena after he also managed to score in a 2-1 friendly win over Highlands Park in March. While Steve Komphela’s side could do with a “breath of fresh air” up-front following their mass exodus of players, former Chiefs assistant coach Farouk Khan believes Letlotlo’s promotion will require a careful approach. “Yes, the MDC also has tough competition, but when you’re talking about the PSL, there are many things that need to be highlighted for him [Letlotlo] to adapt to,” Khan says. “Being topscorer in the MDC, there’s certainly something in this youngster that can be developed, and development doesn’t stop because you’re promoted. Especially at a big club like Chiefs, where there’s great pressure because they didn’t win any silverware last season, if he doesn’t play then he might just drop completely off the radar. “I definitely think he could be a breath of fresh air at Chiefs. I remember when Jabu Mahlangu – back then he was Jabu Pule – and Nhlanhla Kubheka were in the same situation,” Khan continues. “The thing you have to take into account is how you prepare these players, which is not done on the field, but in terms of motivation and from a psychological perspective. You have to explain to them the responsibility of being a professional, as well as the pressures that come with it. “On the other hand, it also depends on what the situation is with the coach and his mandate, and what the expectations of the fans are, which then makes it difficult to throw on the young man. “Will it destroy him? Will he be able to swim? I think Chiefs have a good platform for him because he has players like ‘Shabba’ [Siphiwe Tshabalalala] and Willard Katsande to guide him, so I guess we’ll have to wait and see once he’s playing if he makes it or breaks it.”