A message of encouragement has been sent to Orlando Pirates’ Justice Chabalala from one of the club’s former players.
Following his impressive display in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, where he played the entire game and did well in what was his first appearance for the Buccaneers in over a year, Chabalala was dropped to the bench for the team’s opening match of the 2019/20 season against Bloemfontein Celtic last weekend.
Read: Surprise! Chabalala Among Four Notable Omissions From Bucs’ CAF Squad
Furthermore, the 27-year-old defender has not been included in Bucs’ 28-man squad for the team's CAF Champions League campaign.
Speaking to the Siya crew, former Pirates defender Tonic Chabalala questioned the Giyani-born centre-back’s lack of enough game-time at the Soweto giants.
“I really don’t understand now what is going on. The boy plays against Chiefs and does well. Come the following game, he isn’t playing,” said Chabalala.
Read: Bucs’ Travelling Details Confirmed As CAF Campaign Beckons
“It seems like there is an internal problem there. It doesn’t seem like it’s something to do with his ability or what is happening or not happening in training. We all watched the game (against Chiefs), and we saw how well the boy played,” the ex-centre-back added.
Read: Warning Shot Fired, Eagles Coach’s Message To Bucs…
“All I can say is that what is happening to the boy is not good for him and his confidence. It is killing his confidence. My understanding of football is that when a player plays well he gets rewarded with more game-time. He doesn’t get replaced with another player. I tried to call the boy but I couldn’t get hold of him. He should remain strong,” concluded Chabalala.