Khanye urges Mthethwa to raise his game as Chiefs seek greater squad quality

Junior Khanye says Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa must contribute more, while the club should have recruited additional quality players if it is to challenge for honours this season.

The former Chiefs midfielder believes the club’s difficulties cannot be attributed solely to the coaching staff. He says several players must take greater responsibility for their performances as the team continues to build a competitive squad.

“For me, Chiefs’ problem isn’t just about the coach. I feel they should have signed more quality players. I also feel there are players who should be doing more to give the club more in their performances, and (Sibongiseni) Mthethwa is one of those players,” Khanye told the Siya crew.

Khanye questioned whether Mthethwa is providing enough for the side and suggested his future could have been different if he was unable to improve his output.

“If he isn’t able to give the club more, then he might as well have been released. I’ve got nothing against the guy’s personality, and I respect him so much, but I don’t think he is giving the team what he should be giving,” he said.

While criticising Mthethwa, Khanye also praised what he described as significant progress from Siphesihle Ndlovu and Lebohang Maboe.

He said the midfielders’ improved displays had already made a positive difference and could become increasingly important to Chiefs.

“Compliments to Siphesihle Ndlovu and Lebohang Maboe. They have improved a lot and have been doing well, and they should keep up the good work because more of their improved performances will go a long way in helping the team going forward,” Khanye said.

“I need to be honest and compliment the guys because there has been a good change, and their improved performances in midfield have contributed to the team.”

Khanye also identified Langelihle Phili as another player who had impressed him, although he warned that the youngster could not be expected to carry the side without sufficient support.

“I have been impressed with Phili, but you need more players of such quality because he can’t do it alone,” he added.

Phili’s injury has further complicated the situation, according to Khanye, who believes it affected both the team and its plans.

“Unfortunately, he also got injured, and that affected the team and what they were trying to do. Why didn’t Chiefs sign more players if they really needed to challenge for honours this season?”

Khanye’s assessment places the focus on the overall quality and performance of the Chiefs squad, rather than on the coach alone. He believes the club must improve its recruitment while demanding more from the players already available to it.