Two players keen to show what they can offer

Proving themselves in front of a big crowd at the FNB Stadium may just be what players like Kabelo Mahlasela and Lucky Mohomi have been waiting for to convince their coaches they are worth a look in.

Mahlasela (right) has struggled to make the first team at Kaizer Chiefs this season and although he understands that with the team doing well, it is difficult for coach Ernst Middendorp to tinker too much, so he awaits his chance.

He said he hopes Saturday’s Shell Helix Ultra Cup will be a game where he will get the nod and get to show what he can offer the team going forward.

“I am ready to play,” Mahlasela told Phakaaathi. “If I get to play, I will do my best to showcase my talent. Everyone is ready to play at Chiefs. You cannot say you are not ready because you can be called upon at any time,” he explained.

Amakhosi host Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium in a match billed for a 4pm kick-off and Mahlasela knows that even though the match may be regarded as a “practice game” by some, the history between the two sides doesn’t allow for it to be taken lightly.

“Sundowns won the previous one but right now it will be a different game because our confidence is high as we are winning games and we are playing good football. It will be an interesting game that people will enjoy,” he said.

Mohomi has also failed to break into Pitso Mosimane’s team and knows that a chance against Chiefs may be what he needs to get himself back into contention. Mohomi said it has been frustrating to sit on the sidelines.

“It is frustrating to sit out and not play. To break into the Sundowns team is very tough and on my side the setbacks have been injuries. Last season I played in one or two official matches but with more hard work‚ maybe things will turn around. The guys are working hard at training and during matches‚ so I need to lift my game and show I deserve to be there and play for this club,” he said.