Experienced fullback Ramahlwe Mphahlele could be set to make a more permanent switch to the centre of the defence, according to Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt.
The 30-year-old had a rare start against Maritzburg United in the MTN 8 on Sunday, where he partnered Daniel Cardoso at centre-back in the absence of another Chiefs veteran in Erick Mathoho.
New role for Mphahlele
The player, who earned his first top-flight cap under Hunt back in their Moroka Swallows days, has spent most of his career at right-back, where he deputised for 22-year-old Reeve Frosler for much of last season.
With Amakhosi currently unable to make new signings, the former Bidvest Wits mentor has hinted that Mphahlele will fill in for Mathoho more often.
“I think Ramahlwe Mphahlele will play centre back most of the time,” Hunt told the club’s official website.
“At his age, I don’t see him going up and down as much on the flanks as he used to. We also did not have much in centre with Mulomowandau Mathoho injured. We had Siyabonga Ngezana, who came in the second half. I had a chat with ‘Rama’ and worked with him throughout the week. If nothing happens that will be more of a long-term plan.”
Gavin Hunt, Kaizer Chiefs coach
Tough assignments for Kaizer Chiefs
Having booked a spot in the semis, where they have been drawn against fierce rivals Orlando Pirates, the Glamour Boys now look ahead to their first match of the league campaign.
It is another tough fixture against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium.
Hunt added that it will take a bit of time to get player fitness up to scratch.
“I don’t like to talk too much, I want to get on the training ground and prepare for the next match. We will work more on the training ground to get some muscle memory. There are certain things I saw that we must do better. The most important is the mentality and the game intelligence, that comes from the training ground with practice.”
Gavin Hunt, Kaizer Chiefs coach
The match between Chiefs and Sundowns kicks off at 15:30 on Saturday.
