Ntseki has plan for new Chiefs signings amid fan hype

The arrival of Sibongiseni “Ox” Mthethwa at Kaizer Chiefs has stirred up a lot of excitement among the fans. 

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This has also presented a bit of a challenge for coach Molefi Ntseki. Some supporters have even started speculating about who should step aside to make room for the new midfielder in Ntseki’s lineup. 

But there’s a potential downside to all this sudden fame. It can sometimes be a distraction, as we’ve seen with players like Siphelele Ntsangase and Dumisani Zuma in the recent past.

So now, it’s Ntseki’s responsibility to make sure that Ox doesn’t go down the same path and gets more focused on delivering solid performances for Chiefs than all the hype.

Ntseki emphasised the importance of the induction process for Ox and other new players. 

He mentioned that just joining Chiefs doesn’t automatically make you a star; it requires a tactical understanding of the team’s style and expectations.

“When it comes to Ox Mthethwa, and the rest of the guys, the most important thing is the induction,” said Ntseki this week. 

“And I think that is exactly what we are doing with him now because you don’t just come into Kaizer Chiefs and all of a sudden you think you are a top player. 

“It has happened with so many players since I became part of the brand. Recently we brought in Pule Mmodi, a top player from Arrows. 

“We also had Potsane, a top player from Royal AM. I am just making mention of those players but the most important thing is that they get a tactical induction. 

“That is because language, the demand and requirements are a bit different. You might have been a top player at a club where you come from, but at Kaizer Chiefs you become a different player. All because the demands might be a bit higher than where you were. 

Ntseki preaches importance of all round induction

Ntseki drew a comparison with players brought into Manchester City, where many of them didn’t start playing immediately but eventually became top players due to proper induction, often guided by the coach.

“I normally make an example of players brought in at Man City… A number of them don’t get there and play immediately. A lot of them today are top players.

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“Elring Halaand, some supporters even doubted his quality, but today he is a top player because of proper induction mostly from the coach’s side.”

Chiefs host Cape Town City at FNB Stadium in a DStv Premiership match on Tuesday evening, hoping to make it two wins in a row.