Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Ben Youssef Khalil has showered praise on Samkelo Zwane and George Matlou for putting up a great display in their 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United on Sunday.
Chiefs bounced to winning ways at the Moses Mabhida Stadium with substitute Mfundo Vilakazi grabbing the all-important goal four minutes from time but it is the display of Zwane and Matlou that captured the attention of the coaching team.
Both players got rare starts, Zwane starting his first match since last October, while Matlou was making his maiden appearance in the starting XI this season, and they put in an impressive show that left Khalil delighted, lauding them for showing great maturity despite their young age.
“I think, to be honest with you, our younger players, they perform very well, our best players are our younger players” Khalil told SuperSport TV, while crediting Zwane for taking on the instructions of the coaches who have been hard on him in training.
Why is Chiefs coach happy with youngsters?
“The problem is, we have to protect them because there is a lot of pressure. Zwane we discuss with him a lot of time in the training, sometimes we are angry like he is our son, and sometimes we are angry against him. This game he got his chance and he did well.
“I think he was one of the best players in this game, him and George Matlou. Also, Matlou, you know he was one year without a game. He comes back step by step, we have to protect our players. Congratulations for them, congratulations for all the players, the professionals and the young ones, congratulations for them”.
Chiefs have been benefiting from their young players this season with Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba and Mfundo Vilakazi proving to be match winners in recent matches while Zwane and Matlou are now giving the coaching team confidence.
The Glamour Boys are now fifth on the log with 21 points following the win which sees them bounce back after their 1-0 loss to Golden Arrows last weekend.
