Chiefs loanee Mkhawana warned after late-game dribble

Real Native FC coach Bucs Mthombeni has advised Kaizer Chiefs loanee Vicky Mkhawana to avoid taking unnecessary risks after the winger surrendered possession while attempting to run down the clock against Leicesterford City.

Native were leading 2-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday when Mkhawana, who had come on as a second-half substitute, carried the ball from the Leicesterford City half back into his own territory in the closing stages.

The youngster eventually lost possession, although Native were spared the punishment of conceding a goal. Mthombeni showed his frustration from the touchline, while Mkhawana pointed to his wrist to indicate that he had been trying to use up time with the final whistle approaching.

Mthombeni said he explained to the player that such decisions could leave the team under pressure, particularly if the opposition regained the ball and scored.

> “I learn from the best. You cannot be too excited. These goals we are not scoring now, in future we will always think about them. You must always play forward as a player. You cannot start from the half of the opponent and you try to go at the back, especially in a critical moment,” Mthombeni told Soccer Laduma.

> “It’s how I talk to them, because they are my brothers, my colleagues at work. I told him ‘you cannot try to go back and then we lose (the ball). If ever they score, we are going to be under pressure’. He should try to do these things in the opponents half, going forward. He was juggling going back. You know, boys are boys.”

Mkhawana is one of two players Native have on loan from Amakhosi, with Ofentse Kgosana the other. Both have been given valuable senior playing time as they continue to adapt to first-team football.

Mkhawana spent the second half of last season at Kruger United in the Championship, while Kgosana was with Native during the same period, when the club was still known as Casric Stars.

Mthombeni said the pair were progressing well but needed to adjust to the physical demands and speed of thought required at senior level.

> “They are adjusting very well. Remember, these boys played DDC and Mkhawana was at Kruger, but he didn’t get many games, but he is a very good boy,” he said.

> “It’s just that they should understand between DDC and us. Here, it’s a physical game and you need a quick thinker. There is a lot of work off the ball, instead of position. It’s not like PSL where you can control the tempo of the game. They are adjusting well.”