Daniels wants Zwane to rediscover his love of football at Hope FC

Hope FC coach Clayton Daniels says his priority is to help Samkelo Zwane enjoy football again, while also improving the midfielder’s work without the ball to bring him closer to the level of Bafana Bafana player Teboho Mokoena.

Zwane made an immediate impact on his Hope FC debut, scoring the winning goal in the sixth minute of their match against North West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom on Saturday.

The 24-year-old endured a difficult loan spell with Siwelele FC last season, making only seven appearances. His lack of regular game time was reflected in his fitness during the opening match, although Daniels saw enough encouraging signs to believe Zwane can rebuild his form.

Zwane joined Hope FC on loan with his Kaizer Chiefs team-mates Bontle Molefe, Naledi Hlongwane and Pheko Phago. Hlongwane and Phago also featured against NWU for the first time, while Molefe remained on the bench as the second-choice goalkeeper.

Daniels believes Zwane has the technical ability to make a significant contribution, but wants the midfielder to regain his confidence and enjoyment of the game.

“He is a high profile. Yes, he needs to work on his fitness, but the most important thing for Samkelo and I is for him to love football again. It’s for him to enjoy his game and play with a smile on his face. I can turn my back and watch another game when he has the ball, because that’s the quality he possesses when he is in possession,” Daniels told Soccer Laduma after the clash against NWU.

The Hope FC coach also identified Zwane’s contribution when his side does not have possession as an area for development. He used Mokoena as an example of the all-round midfield performance he wants Zwane to deliver.

“Yes, I need to work a little bit here and there to tweak him a little bit. If he wants to become the next South African midfielder, you have to learn to play without the ball. You have to run a little bit for the good of the team, so those are the kind of things I want to bring to him. Teboho Mokoena can reach one box and can reach another box. He can play from the deeper box and he can play in the final box. I want to bring Samkelo also to that level. He must enjoy football and love football again. He had some up and down seasons, but sometimes you need to put your arm around him and show him some love. He will flourish.”

Opportunity to rebuild

Hope FC have won two of their first three matches, giving Zwane the chance to secure the regular playing time that was missing during his spell at Siwelele FC.

A consistent run of matches could benefit his development and help him work towards a possible return to Naturena, where he would again compete for a place in the Kaizer Chiefs first team.

Hope FC’s next match is against Cape Town City at Athlone Stadium on Sunday. The fixture is expected to add further excitement to the club’s start to the campaign and give Zwane another opportunity to demonstrate his progress.