Nkhatha in red-hot form for SuperSport United
HIS past and present Premier League coaches are unanimous — Kingston Nkhatha is an absolute team player.
That’s what makes the Zimbabwean a genuine No 9 even with his up-and-down scoring ratio, they argue. Though the coaches agree they would love to see him rattle the net more regularly, what he offers with and without the ball just about makes up for his barren spells.
Now at SuperSport United, having joined from log leaders Kaizer Chiefs in January, Nkhatha seems rejuvenated, moving away from being an assist man to goal poacher. He endeared himself to his colleagues and coach Stuart Baxter at Amakhosi because of his high work rate, which was never enough for the fans.
In his new surroundings he has not only won over Gordon Igesund with the same traits, but has found his scoring boots. What’s changed?
Baxter, who rates the striker highly and was incensed by the continuous booing from the supporters during the player’s time at Naturena, believes a new “challenge” might have brought on the sudden scoring streak.
“I can’t comment on how SuperSport are using him because it is not my scope,” Baxter said. “But it is not surprising because when you change clubs you get a new challenge, a different environment that is a confirmation that someone wants you. At Chiefs you play under a different kind of pressure and maybe he got released from that pressure that built up when he was at Chiefs. And it maybe feels good for Kingston to have confirmed that he is wanted.”
He is unselfish. But that sort of personality doesn’t attract the supporters
With Amakhosi Nkhatha managed only three goals in 22 matches, but Baxter never considered him surplus to requirements at the club.
“He is unselfish. But that sort of personality doesn’t attract the supporters. He brings a lot to a team and puts people under pressure, asks questions and will try to get on the end of anything that is put near him. He’s a constant worry to the opposition. Scoring goals doesn’t make or break Kingston, but that’s not attractive to the fans.”
Nkhatha, a former Black Leopards and Free State Stars marksman, has played three matches and didn’t just make up the numbers, netting the same number of goals before his injury put paid to what was turning out to be a rich vein of form at his new club.
The striker could not be reached for comment despite agreeing to the interview earlier in the week.
Igesund lauded the forward’s character and work rate, an attribute that bought him the loyalty of his previous coaches. Igesund would not admit it, but SuperSport already can’t seem to do without him, having lost all three matches he wasn’t involved in before yesterday.
“He is a team man and works so hard. He was only really supposed to come to us at the end of the season, but I am so delighted to have him now as we build a team for the next season,” the coach said.
“I’ve known him for a long time and he is a player every coach would love to have. He is better having people around him instead of being a lone striker.
“I am encouraging him now to be more of a box player to get goals instead of running all over the pitch.”