Sowetan

Molangoane ready to fight for his spot

Stop-gap defender unfazed by return of Mphahlele and Moleko

- By Gomolemo Motshwane SuperSport United coach Eric Tinkler

Joseph Molangoane has not looked back since craftily wiggling his way back into the starting team at Kaizer Chiefs via the back door.

With his team mates having left a gaping hole at right-back due to injuries, the pint-sized midfielder nicknamed “Tight” made the most of his opportunit­y.

It was five weeks ago when Molangoane received summons to head coach Steve Komphela’s office at Naturena to discuss his role in the team.

“We had injuries and the coach called me to ask if I would pla y right-back. I said ‘yes, I don’t have a problem just give me instructio­ns on what I should do’,” Molangoane said.

Now, with the two regular right-backs – Kgotso Moleko and Ramahlwe Mphahlele – slowly making their way back from injury, Molangoane has made his mark. He has shown that it would be a mistake to overlook him in the starting XI going forward.

“It happens that you do not get selected for certain games. I was ready, always there, waiting for the opportunit­y,” the former Chippa United and Orlando

‘ ‘ Coach asked if I would play right-back and I said ‘yes’

South Africans should already be proud of what SuperSport have achieved

Friday November 17 2017 Pirates man said.

“That’s why when it came I made use of it. I had to work twice as much to get my spot back.”

He has been in the starting line-up for Chiefs in the last five games after seeing little game time initially at the start of the season. Chiefs take on Bidvest Wits in the semifinal of the Telkom Knockout at Bidvest Stadium tomorrow (3.30pm).

“As a team we respect Wits. They are the champions at the end of the day and they will come to show that they want to win this trophy as much as we do,” Molangoane added.

 ?? /AUBREY KGAKATSI /BACKPAGEPI­X ?? Joseph Molangoane was asked by coach Steve Komphela to fill in at right back and the Chiefs midfielder never looked back.
/AUBREY KGAKATSI /BACKPAGEPI­X Joseph Molangoane was asked by coach Steve Komphela to fill in at right back and the Chiefs midfielder never looked back.

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