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Zwane's Comments To Seal Fate Of Chiefs Defender?

Zwane's Comments To Seal Fate Of Chiefs Defender?

Austin Thabani Dube and Phathuthsedzo Nange

A Kaizer Chiefs defender could have a change of heart on his stance regarding his future prospects at the club.

Chiefs centre-back Thabani Dube has gone quietly under the radar at the Naturena-based side since head coach Arthur Zwane took over the reigns permanently at the beginning of the season.

Soccer Laduma previously reported that Dube had an option in the previous transfer to join his former team Richards Bay on loan but he rejected the proposal.

Read: SSU Pull Plug On Planned Approach To Chiefs?

It appears as if Dube, who saw considerable action under former coach Stuart Baxter, had confidence in fighting for a spot under Zwane, however, he is yet to feature in an official match for the Glamour Boys this season.

The Siya crew has established, as reported in edition 1304 of the publication, that Dube's representatives are aiming to seek clarity on their client's future in the new year.

According to insiders at Naturena, it's surprising that the club have not given a clear answer on whether the 30-year old has a role to play, despite 'Mangethe' making a general statement that all defenders will get a fair chance to play.

Chiefs have been tight-lipped on the former Natal Rich Boyz defender's future prospects at the club, something that apparently puzzles even the player's camp.

Soccer Laduma has been led to believe that Dube's handlers will attempt to open discussions with Amakhosi, as soon as they have found a concrete opportunity, to map a way forward for his future.

What could potentially influence Dube's decision-making process, this time around, is the fact that in addition to being behind the likes of Zitha Kwinika, Siyabonga Ngezana and Njabulo Ngcobo in the centre-back pecking order, he was seemingly disregarded as a viable option for a left-footed centre-half role.

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Zwane made a startling revelation after the signing of Edmilson Dove, who has impressed since being elevated to the line-up, after suggesting that they lacked a competent left-footed centre-back, while Dube was all along available.

"He (Dove) gave us a good balance, because he's a left-footed player and that has been our problem," Zwane told the media.

"It made us predictable, especially for the opposition to close the spaces when we were building up.

"We wouldn't want to just kick the ball forwards — we want to build from the back, find the holes and exploit those spaces because we've got explosive players upfront.

"But you must know how to use them and when to play the ball to them. So I think he has given us the balance we've been looking for."

Those comments by Zwane could be damaging to Dube's confidence, who was initially signed in July 2021 for a reported fee of R3 million and has a contract expiring at the end of the 2023/24 season.

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