Samkelo Zwane makes instant impact for Hope FC after choosing move for game time

Samkelo Zwane marked his Hope FC debut with the winning goal as the Motsepe Foundation Championship side beat North West University 1-0 in Potchefstroom at the weekend.

The 24-year-old midfielder joined Hope FC determined to revive his career after making only seven appearances during a loan spell at Siwelele FC in the Betway Premiership last season.

His first outing for Hope brought an immediate reward and offered a sharp contrast to the limited opportunities he experienced previously. Zwane’s goal secured three points for his new club and provided an early indication of why he believes the move can help him regain regular football.

“The feeling of the goal was amazing. To score on debut is always a good thing. I am just happy that the team as a whole was able to get the three points. We can always improve, but it’s work in progress,” Zwane said to Soccer Laduma.

The former Kaizer Chiefs player also revealed that he is still working towards full fitness after suffering a hamstring injury. Despite starting his new spell with a goal, Zwane said he had not yet reached his best physical level and was continuing to put in extra work at training.

“Actually I just came back from a hamstring. I had an hamstring injury, so my fitness is not quite there, but I am working everyday in training, doing extra. It’s going to come right.

Zwane’s desire for consistent playing time was central to his decision to leave Amakhosi. Before joining Siwelele FC on loan, he had struggled to establish himself under then Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi.

The Soweto club subsequently allowed him to move elsewhere on a short-term deal, giving the midfielder the chance to play more regularly. Zwane said he had made his need for minutes clear in discussions with the Kaizer Chiefs management.

No one becomes a footballer to sit on the bench, but it’s part of the journey. The coaches have to do what they have to do, so it is what it is. I spoke to the management at Kaizer Chiefs and I expressed to them that game time is needed. It’s more of a game time.

For Zwane, the opportunity to play consistently was the decisive factor behind his choice of Hope FC. He said the club had made him feel welcome and praised the attitude of his new team-mates after his first appearance.

“For me, I feel like I have not played in a long time consistently, so that’s a big factor why I chose Hope FC and they’ve just welcomed me wth open arms. My teammates are so amazing. The whole Hope FC is doing well and this team is going far.”

The win over North West University gives Zwane and Hope FC an encouraging start, while the midfielder now hopes to build on his debut as he continues his recovery and works towards full match fitness.