Patrick Mabedi, former Kaizer Chiefs captain and defender, chatted to Soccer Laduma about Morgan Gould. What does he see in the player? Does he believe Gould's talent is wasted on the bench? Read on to find out…
Soccer Laduma: How do you see Gould as a defender?
Patrick Mabedi:I have known Gould for a long time as a player and he is a great defender. It's very rare to find defenders like him and it's good that Chiefs have a defender like Gould.
SL: What's your take on him now having regular game-time?
PM:It's very unfortunate that he is not playing at the moment, but it's because the back four at the moment are doing very well and it's hard to just change the format. But when he comes on towards the end of games, he shows how good he is. It's unfortunate he can't start until one is injured or suspended.
SL: Do you think it's a waste of talent for a player like him to be sitting on the bench at Chiefs?
PM:I don't think it's a waste of talent because, when called upon to do the job, he does it very well. As I have said, when one is injured, they have a well-balanced and complete player to take his place, and Gould is that defender you can rely on.
SL: What does it take for a defender to play for Chiefs?
PM:It requires you to have a big heart and patience. If you can't be strong enough emotionally, it will be very hard for you to play for Chiefs and I think Gould had all those characteristics to play for Chiefs.
SL: How much pressure comes with that?
PM:There is always pressure playing for a team like Chiefs, whether you are a regular, sitting on the bench or in the stands, but what matters is how you handle that pressure. From what I have seen, Morgan has done very well and that's why he can sit on the bench and, when needed, come on and play very well.
SL: What does it take for a player to bounce back from the bench to regain a regular place again?
PM:Patience… yes, you have to be patient. No matter what the situation, when you are patient and just keep in working, then you will always be in good form, and when you are given the chance to play, you will be ready. A player has to be patient when he faces such situations.
SL: Legend thanks for your time.
PM: You're welcome.
What's your take on former Kaizer Chiefs defender and captain, Patrick Mabedi's take on Morgan Gould?
Cheers.
VJ
