After starting the current season uncertain of his position, Kaizer Chiefs defender Happy Mashiane has turned things around and is now impressing coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Initially, Mashiane was reported to be out of the coach's long-term plans, but then his recent performances have stabilised the left back position, leading insiders to indicate what the latest is on how Nabi values his contribution to the team.
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"Things are apparently looking good for Happy (Mashiane). Not just for this season but even further as the coach is now believed to be putting trust in him in that left-hand position. Coach Nabi is happy to have him for a longer time. That has also brought confidence to him as a player. Yes, his contract is running until June 2026, that means this gives him hope that he may not be loaned out or released soon. The coach is happy with him and that is very important for the player, " the Siya source stated.
A second insider close to the club indicated that Chiefs are still aiming to sign another left back to work alongside Mashiane and Bradley Cross.
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"That's still on. They are still looking at signing another left back in the next transfer window period and their main target is Stellenbosch FC left back Fawaaz Basadien. But it's still early to say that they won't look at other left back targets. But for now, the coach is happy to see Mashiane stay much longer. He has impressed him both at training and in the few games he has played so far," the second source revealed.
The 27-year-old Mashiane was promoted to the senior team in January 2019, during Kaizer Chiefs' FIFA ban on signing players. This season, he has featured in games and will be looking to finish the campaign stronger.
Soccer Laduma reached out to Chiefs for comment, but there was no response at the time this report was published.
