Kaizer Chiefs are poised to register teenage talent Nkosana Mbuthu for the upcoming season, despite his challenging debut in the 4-0 defeat against Yanga SC in the Toyota Cup, the Siya crew has been informed.
Siya sources have indicated that this decision comes in light of injuries to key players and strategic considerations about the team's composition.
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The sources close to the club have added that the DDC technical team had initially recommended Mbuthu to the senior technical team, highlighting his potential and versatility.
"Maybe he couldn't have been registered this season if Bongani Sam and Edmilson Dove were not injured. But they want to make sure that when they start the season they have a natural left back like him in the squad. Yes, Rushwin Dortley can play as a left back but they signed him mainly as a central defender as they are looking at replacing Zitha Kwinika in that position. Obviously the coach is happy with Mbuthu and that's why he played him and recommended him ahead of Happy Mashiane. He will play under Nabi I am telling you," said the Siya source.
The decision to integrate Mbuthu into the senior team also reflects a strategic move to avoid delays in signing an experienced left-back, which could jeopardise the team's readiness for the season.
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"The other reason is that they don't want to delay by looking at signing an experienced left back that they have targeted in the past like Fawaaz Basadien, Bradley Cross, Mohamed Hussein or even Miguel Inacio. What happens if they don't get one? So, registering their own youngster helps resolve the current situation that the club is faced with in the left back position," the source added.
Furthermore, it was clarified that Mbuthu would continue under his DDC contract while being registered with the senior team, a setup similar to other young players in the league, according to a second insider.
"No. It's not about a new contract. He will continue playing as a DDC player but registered with the senior team as well. You see like Siyabonga Mabena at Sundowns. He is registered with the first team but plays mostly in the DDC with that junior team contract. But obviously there are some first team benefits which he will get as well. And above all, learning from the senior players and is what is very important as of now," the second source stated.
Nkosana Mbuthu, 19, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, is the son of former Amakhosi midfielder Patrick Ace Mbuthu, well known for his tenure with Chiefs and the Under-23 South Africa national team.
