Posted in News, Team News on Feb 15, 2018.
Ramahlwe ‘Rama’ Mphahlele made his return to Kaizer Chiefs’ starting XI against Golden Arrows on Sunday. “It felt good to be back,” the defender reflected on his comeback after having been out for several months with a knee injury. Saturday awaits Cape Town City at FNB Stadium in an Absa Premiership fixture. “It will be tough, but we need the three points to stay in contention for the league title.”
Mphahlele played the first three matches of the season (two league, one MTN8) before injuring his left knee, which needed an operation to fix.
After having returned to full fitness, the 28-year old didn’t immediately regain his place in Chiefs’ starting line-up. “I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Mphahlele reflects, “as Joseph Molangoane has been in top form.”
Coach Steve Komphela had changed the tactical formation during Mphahlele’s absence, playing now with three centre-backs in defence, five midfield and two in attack. However, he wasn’t worried, “Football has taught me so many lessons and one is to be permanently on my toes. I didn’t know beforehand that I would play against Arrows, but a player needs to be ever ready.”
Mphahlele needed to adapt to the rhythm of the game in the first half, but had a much improved second half performance, even being involved in the third goal scored by Molangoane.
“I had to get used to the new formation in the first half,” he admits. “However, the coach spoke with me during the half-time break and he gave me the licence to join in attack if that was safe to do so.”
Chiefs are presently in fourth position on the Absa Premiership log, having collected 31 points from 20 games. Cape Town City are in fifth place. They have the same number of points, but the goal difference of the Glamour Boys is better.
Mphahlele feels positive about getting the three points on Saturday night (kick-off is at 20:15). “We just need to play as a team. We are still very much contenders for the league title.”
Ticketing Information:
Outlets: Computicket and Shoprite Checkers outlets nationwide
Cost: R40 for adults and R10 for children under the age of 12
Mphahlele played the first three matches of the season (two league, one MTN8) before injuring his left knee, which needed an operation to fix.
After having returned to full fitness, the 28-year old didn’t immediately regain his place in Chiefs’ starting line-up. “I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Mphahlele reflects, “as Joseph Molangoane has been in top form.”
Coach Steve Komphela had changed the tactical formation during Mphahlele’s absence, playing now with three centre-backs in defence, five midfield and two in attack. However, he wasn’t worried, “Football has taught me so many lessons and one is to be permanently on my toes. I didn’t know beforehand that I would play against Arrows, but a player needs to be ever ready.”
Mphahlele needed to adapt to the rhythm of the game in the first half, but had a much improved second half performance, even being involved in the third goal scored by Molangoane.
“I had to get used to the new formation in the first half,” he admits. “However, the coach spoke with me during the half-time break and he gave me the licence to join in attack if that was safe to do so.”
Chiefs are presently in fourth position on the Absa Premiership log, having collected 31 points from 20 games. Cape Town City are in fifth place. They have the same number of points, but the goal difference of the Glamour Boys is better.
Mphahlele feels positive about getting the three points on Saturday night (kick-off is at 20:15). “We just need to play as a team. We are still very much contenders for the league title.”
Ticketing Information:
Outlets: Computicket and Shoprite Checkers outlets nationwide
Cost: R40 for adults and R10 for children under the age of 12
