Fans chanting his name music to Kabelo’s ears
Fit, ready and hungry. This is perhaps the best way to describe sensational Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Kabelo Mahlasela who was given his debut in the 3-1 defeat to Bidvest Wits earlier this week. The Amakhosi supporters chanted his name as they urged coach Giovanni Solinas to field him in the hopes the diminutive star could rescue them from the marauding Students.
“I am fit now,” said Mahlasela yesterday. He was injured at training in his first week at the club and had been out for almost six months.
“He said hearing the supporters calling for him gave him a confidence boost.
“It felt good to be cheered on by the supporters. As a player I want to play. I want to help the team. It was my first official game for Chiefs and it was a big boost. The supporters calling for me means they know what it is I offer when on the field,” he said.
The Amakhosi faithful will hope Mahlasela and his team-mates will get a better result when they meet Free State Stars in an MTN8 quarterfinal at FNB Stadium tomorrow. The match starts at 6pm.
Mahlasela doesn’t believe the new coach needs to change too many things.
“We are adjusting to his philosophy to ensure we play the way he wants us to. It’s not difficult. We have been playing the way he wants. The unfortunate part is that we haven’t been getting the results we want.
“There is not much that needs changing. The only thing we need to do is convert the chances we create. You only win games by scoring goals. If we can get that right this season we might get some silverware,” he said.
Mahlasela is not too worried by his limited game time and he knows he has to work really hard to get a place in the starting line-up as he has to compete against the likes of Khama Billiat, Sphelele Ntshangase and Bernard Parker for a place.
“We have good players playing the same position … the likes of Khama, Parker and Shabba (Siphiwe Tshabalala). I am working hard and waiting for my chance. It is a chance for me to work on my shortcomings.