Some of the younger players who turned out for Kaizer Chiefs in their come-from-behind victory against Maritzburg United have come for special praise.
Amakhosi marched to the semifinals of the MTN 8, where they will come up against fierce rivals, Orlando Pirates. This is after a second-half brace from Yagan Sasman, which negated Thabiso Kutumela’s early opener.
Gavin Hunt heaps praise on youngsters
Hunt, who took charge in his debut match as Kaizer Chiefs coach, lauded the goal-scorer’s performance, along with that of the likes of Njabulo Blom, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Happy Mashiane, who were all given a run in the crucial encounter.
“I thought the kids did well again. I thought the goal boy (Sasman) – he’s a player for me… he can play. Blom came in, changed the game. He’s another one, a youngster. Happy – came in on the left,” he said after the game. “These are the ones for the future. I’ve got a few more here. I’ll keep blooding them and keep playing them. “But we can’t play them just for the sake of playing them. We’ve got to play them for the right reasons. It’ll take hopefully not too much time.”
Gavin Hunt, Kaizer Chiefs coach
How Kaizer Chiefs survived early scare
The former Bidvest Wits coach also conceded that he was forced into making some changes after his side went behind in the 34th minute.
“I think first half we were still on the bus, we were all over the show. We were pulled apart. I’m trying to instil a couple of things, but it’s difficult in a week and a half. And then I made the changes which it was inevitable to do. We changed the shape a bit,” he added.
Gavin Hunt, Kaizer Chiefs coach
He also praised veteran striker Bernard Parker, who put on one of his better performances in recent seasons.
“He was fantastic, playing out of position. But you know, we showed a bit of grit. But I’m trying to instil the mentality into the team. That’s the most important thing.
Gavin Hunt, Kaizer Chiefs coach
Chiefs begin their league campaign with another tough assignment as they host defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
