Inacio Miguel backs Dillon Sheppard’s key role in Kaizer Chiefs set-up

Inacio Miguel has praised Dillon Sheppard’s influence at Kaizer Chiefs, saying the former South Africa international’s understanding of the domestic game has been crucial to the club’s progress this season.

Sheppard returned to the first-team set-up in January and is serving as assistant to head coach Fernando da Cruz. He works alongside Egyptian coach Mahmoud Abbas, with Olivier Sorin acting as goalkeeper coach and Julien Le Heran responsible for fitness.

His appointment makes Sheppard the only local member of the technical team, a factor Miguel believes is particularly important in a squad containing a number of young players and working under a foreign coaching staff.

‘Sheppy’ had spent 18 months away from the first team before returning. During that period, he also stood in as an assistant to co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.

The 45-year-old has been based at Naturena since September 2020 and has worked under Gavin Hunt, Stuart Baxter, Arthur Zwane, Molefi Ntseki and Cavin Johnson. However, he was moved away from the first-team set-up when Nasreddine Nabi took charge.

Miguel, who commands significant respect within the Kaizer Chiefs dressing room, believes Sheppard’s return was one of the most important developments of the campaign.

“I think without taking credit of the new players and the new energy that we have in the team, I think the important thing that happened this season was the fact that we Sheppy with us,” says Inacio Miguel.

The defender said Sheppard’s knowledge of the league and the country had helped bridge the gap between the players and the foreign coaching staff.

“I have always said that it is very important to bring someone that understands the league, that understands the country.

“I think the fans don’t realise how important it is to have someone that comes from the DDC.

“You realise that we have a young squad, so we need someone who knows how to deal with the players especially when you have a foreign coach and foreign staff.

“So, for me that was an important decision made by the board and the chairman who decided to bring Sheppy.

“I’m very happy with the fact that Sheppy is with us and is bringing a lot of good vibes and good energy.

“You can see with the young squad we have that the players play free, and I think that was one important thing which changed from last season to this season.

The defender also pointed to the importance of the club’s pre-season camp in building relationships within the squad. He said the team now appeared more connected and compact than it had in recent seasons.

“Obviously, the camp (pre-season) was important to create that bond, that connection, you can see that we have a team that is very connected, compact, something that was lacking in the past few seasons.

“I think we are in a good way.

“Obviously, it is a long journey but I’m pretty sure that we will achieve something beautiful this season,” says Miguel.

Kaizer Chiefs have also issued an update on ticketing for their fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns, while the club’s coaching staff continue to assess the development of their emerging players.