Known for his blistering pace and trickery, Helman Mkhalele terrorised many as a full back in his heyday earning him the nickname, "Midnight Express" from the hordes of adoring Pirates supporters.
Mkhalele is no stranger to success as he was part of the Bucs team which conquered Africa in 1995 and donned the national colours to form part of Bafana Bafana's heroics of 1996 as they lifted the African Cup of Nations trophy as Champions of Africa.
Now at 42-years-old, the Midnight Express opens up on a Pirates player who shares many qualities as he did in his playing days.
Mkhalele spend some time with Soccer Laduma speaking about Tlou "Sox" Segolela and the challenges the Bucs winger is facing at the Parktown-based club in regard to playing time.
"I think this is something that needs to be sorted out soon so that it doesn't affect him negatively. When you play for a big team like Orlando Pirates, you'll always have challenges like lack of regular game-time. It is even worse when you know that you are good enough to play, but the chance just doesn't come your way. I think it all boils down to the coach and his philosophy more than the player," he said in an exclusive Supporter's Club interview.
'Sox' currently competes with Sifiso Myeni and Thabo Qalinge for a place on the wing. The Siya crew asked Mkhalele what they could be doing right to hold down their place, but he feels that Sox should not try and change his game.
"It isn't about the other players or the competition, more than I think it is about the coach's philosophy. A player can do well on the field, but if he doesn't fit into the coach's philosophy, then that's a problem.
"Tlou needs to convince the coach that he's good enough to play in his team and that he's able to adapt to the different philosophies.
"Tlou mustn't change his style because he can't beat the other two players when it comes to skill, just as much as they can't beat him with pace. He must just focus on his strengths and not change. He must work hard and maintain his body weight because, when speed is your main weapon, you need a lighter body weight, " Helman expressed.
