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Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs forward Siphelele Mthembu says
that he is not perturbed by his limited game-time, with his side's success the
most important thing.
The 27-year-old has featured for Amakhosi for just 165 minutes thus far this season with the 3-0 victory over Platinum Stars in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final is lone start.
Despite this, Mthembu says that while he is itching to make an impact, he is content to wait until the time is deemed to be right.
“It’s healthy [competition for places]. It helps one to grow, but at the same time I am brave and I am strong, and if I get the chance I will go and work for the team," he told the official Premier Soccer League website.
"There is no pressure because the team is doing well and the players are doing well, and when I get my chance I must go there and score goals for the team. It’s not about personal, it’s about Kaizer Chiefs and we have to achieve and win cups as the culture of the family.”
“I’m the kind of guy who wants to go in there and make an immediate impact. But maybe they [Chiefs strikers] are understanding the system well. I’m still adjusting and working hard and getting to the system."
The Glamour Boys' strikers have been rather goal shy this season, with the midfield providing the majority of the goals. While in some situations this could put additional pressure on the attacking unit, Mthembu reveals that it is not an issue for the team and coach Stuart Baxter.
“The system that we play, the coach will tell us, don’t worry about scoring goals, as long as you create the space for midfielders to come in and finish, because obviously the defenders will be tight on the strikers, and you have to move them away for the space to be created for a team-mate," he said.
“I’m adapting and soon I will be getting there and giving the club what they brought me to do. Learning for me, I used to say, it’s never enough. Each day you have to keep on improving, keep on growing, and working hard."
Chiefs and Maritzburg United will meet for just their second cup match when they clash in the last 16 of the Telkom Knockout at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, October 4.
Chiefs are unbeaten in their last five meetings with United, including a 1-0 win in a league match this past weekend. Kick-off is at 20:15.
