Kaizer Chiefs loanee Pheko Phago earns Hope FC praise after debut

Hope FC manager Clayton Daniels says Kaizer Chiefs loanee Pheko Phago can become “a gem” for the club after just two training sessions convinced him to include the midfielder in his squad for the Motsepe Foundation Championship match against North West University.

Phago, 21, made his Hope FC debut in the 1-0 victory over North West University in Potchefstroom, coming on during the first half for Manelisi Ralasi.

The left-footed midfielder is one of four Kaizer Chiefs players who have joined Hope FC on loan for the season. He was part of the Amakhosi DStv Diski Challenge team last season.

Despite having spent only a short time with his new team, Phago played with confidence after entering the match. He also came close to registering an assist when Craig Martin was unable to convert an opportunity created by the youngster’s pass in the first half.

Phago looked composed in possession and regularly attempted to move Hope FC forward with positive play. The result gave the newcomers their second win from their opening three matches of the season.

“This boy is going to be a very important player for us this season. Let me tell you something. He had two training sessions with me before that game, and I already made up my mind that there is something in this boy. He has the appetite and the willingness to learn. I only had two days with him, and I decided that I believe in him. From what I saw in the two training sessions, I decided to put him in the matchday squad,” Daniels told Soccer Laduma.

Daniels wants Phago to embrace different roles

Daniels believes the player has already shown that he can operate at the level required in the division, although he says the midfielder must improve his fitness.

“He got his opportunity, and he showed me that he is ready to play at this level. He just needs to work on his fitness now, and then he is going to be a gem for us this season.

“I also told him that he should be flexible in his role because I like players who can play in different positions and can move in different positions. Interchanging of positions is part of my game plan, for players to be comfortable in different positions. Everyone knows the types of movements I am looking for, the types of passes I am looking for and decision making. I am excited for this team, and there are a lot of positives. This is a tough league, and it will be a long season, so we must not get carried away.”

Phago was joined on the pitch against North West University by fellow Kaizer Chiefs loanees Samkelo Zwane and Naledi Hlongwane. Goalkeeper Bontle Molefe was named among the substitutes but did not play, serving as Hope FC’s second-choice goalkeeper.

Hope FC’s next fixture is against Cape Town City on Sunday at Athlone Stadium. The match will be the first Cape derby of the season.