Samkelo Zwane was undoubtedly one of the standout performers in Kaizer Chiefs’ recent 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at Moses Mabhida Stadium, earning himself the prestigious Man-of-the-Match award. The 23-year-old midfielder played a pivotal role in his team’s success, and his performance was a reflection of both his individual effort and the tactical adjustments implemented by head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Following the match, Zwane opened up about the changes in his role and the instructions given by Nabi, which proved to be highly effective. “For [Sunday’s] game, we made a few tweaks to our shape, particularly in how we progressed the ball through the midfield,” he explained. “The coach spoke to me before the match and mentioned that he wanted me to play a bit higher up the pitch. He wanted me to be more box-to-box but with an emphasis on staying higher in the attacking third to support our forwards.”
Zwane’s adjustment to a more advanced role saw him engage more in offensive moves and take on greater responsibility in the final third. This shift in positioning allowed him to be more involved in both the buildup play and the attacking transitions. The change paid off, as Zwane’s performance on the field was crucial in keeping the tempo of the game in Kaizer Chiefs’ favour and maintaining pressure on Sekhukhune United.
“The coach’s instructions were clear, and I just took them on board,” Zwane continued. “I stuck to my role, tried to make an impact whenever I could, and thankfully, the results came. It was a great team effort, and I’m happy to have contributed in such a meaningful way.”
The midfielder also spoke about his personal satisfaction with returning to the starting lineup after a period of working hard behind the scenes. Having been involved in several substitute appearances earlier in the season, Zwane’s return to the first XI was a moment of personal triumph. “It feels really good to be back in the starting lineup,” he said with a smile. “I’ve been putting in a lot of work off the field, staying focused, and working hard in training. I’ve spent extra time after sessions focusing on my finishing, doing additional drills to improve certain aspects of my game. So, being back in the team and performing well feels like a reward for that hard work.”
Zwane’s journey to a more prominent role in the squad is a testament to his determination and commitment to improving. His recent performances have shown that he is not only willing to follow the coach’s tactical instructions but is also capable of executing them with precision. The result against Sekhukhune United was a clear reflection of that, as his work in the midfield was key in both the defensive and attacking phases of the game.
As the season progresses, Samkelo Zwane’s confidence and form are on the rise, and with Nabi’s guidance and tactical flexibility, the young midfielder seems poised to continue making significant contributions to Kaizer Chiefs’ campaign.
