Kaizer Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki has hailed the progress of George Matlou and suggested injuries stunted his progression since his arrival at the club.
Matlou, 25, joined Chiefs from Moroka Swallows alongside Dillan Solomons and Kamohelo Mahlatsti at the start of last season.
The playmaker came highly rated as he showed glimpses of his quality that earned him a move to Portugal from the now-defunct Bidvest Wits.
But with 18 games, no goals and one assist, his future has come into question – only to be a surprise starter in the 0-0 draw with Royal AM at FNB Stadium this weekend.
“I think his performance has been good, even from last season but the unfortunate part, he had too many injuries, which also held back his progress in terms of game-time and in the pre-season he was one of our best players,” Ntseki said.
“But he could not play the preparation matches [you saw] in pre-season because of injury. I think it’s good when you give a player confidence, rewarding for hard work in training. For the past two matches, he came in as a sub and gave us a lot of balance in terms of his tactical understanding of the game.
“[Against Royal AM] we needed to play with two number eights, with Yusuf helping as a six, George is good for that profile, to play as an eight and also helping us in attack. He had a very good game, but you could tell he’s lacking match fitness, but good 60 minutes.”
Matlou will be aiming for another start when Chiefs face SuperSport United in the DStv Premiership on Wednesday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Kaizer Chiefs Head Coach also stated that if George Matlou continues to work hard in training like he did he will play more regularly than before.
Some Kaizer Chiefs Football Club supporters were very happy with George Matlou’s performance since he added so much balance in the Kaizer Chiefs Squad that started against Royal AM.
George Matlou will now look to fight for his place again in the starting lineup against Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club which they are set to play with in the second leg of the MTN8.
