Kaizer Chiefs defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele is excited to work under new coach Gavin Hunt.
The former Bidvest Wits mentor was appointed by the club in September, following the axing of German coach Ernst Middendorp.
Praise for Gavin Hunt
In the two weeks he has been at training with his new charges, he has received positive review from the likes of star player, Khama Billiat.
Mphahlele, who enjoyed minimal game time in the past season, was the latest to throw praise in the direction of the four-time PSL winner.
“Gavin Hunt has been in the game for long,” he told the Kaizer Chiefs website. “He knows what South African soccer is all about. He’s a proven winner.”
The 30-year-old continued;
“He is very precise in what he wants.
“We concentrate on what to do when we have the ball, what to do when we don’t have the ball and how to break down opponents.”
A new dawn at Kaizer Chiefs
Mphahlele featured in just six league matches in the recently-concluded season, managing a single start.
He is looking to work hard enough to impress the new coach, who has pushed the players hard at training.
“He (Hunt) is different,” Mphahlele said. “He pushes us hard and clearly wants the best out of everyone. One thing is clear, if you don’t work hard, you won’t be part of the match day team.”
Mphahlele, who has played under Hunt during their time at Moroka Swallows, added that the coach enjoyed working with younger players.
“I am seeing it now at Chiefs as well. It’s interesting to see how he’s pushing them. The youngsters will need to step up and show that they are ready to compete for a first team starting position. I think what we need is a mixture of senior players and youngsters.”
Chiefs begin the new league season with a tough encounter against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium.
