Former Kaizer Chiefs number nine offers crucial advice to Ranga Chivaviro amid booing from Amakhosi fans.
Chivaviro, the Chiefs striker, has found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons this season, facing relentless booing from supporters due to missed scoring opportunities. The latest wave of criticism came during the Chiefs’ recent match against SuperSport United, where the team secured a convincing 4-0 victory in the Carling Knockout Cup Last 16 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. Despite Chivaviro managing to score, his overall performance still drew frustration from the Khosi faithful.
Ex-Chiefs player Nkhatha, who endured similar treatment during his time at the club from 2012 to 2015, has stepped in to offer valuable advice to Chivaviro. However, Nkhatha contributed with two goals and three assists from 17 games, helping Chiefs to win what remains their last league title, under coach Stuart Baxter.
Nkhatha emphasised the importance of maintaining composure in the face of criticism. “It’s a difficult topic [booing], but it’s not easy to have your own supporters booing you. It feels like you are not important to the team,” he stated on Radio 2000, as quoted by FARPost. He urged Chivaviro to focus on improving his game rather than reacting to the negativity.
Nkhatha: Learning and growing as a player
Nkhatha highlighted that players must recognize areas for improvement. “You must just take it in, don’t fight. Just go home and check what it is that you need to improve to give more to the team,” he advised. He also noted that not every player becomes a fan favourite and that understanding this dynamic is essential for coping with criticism. “Ranga must understand that fans have favourites, and they don’t understand that players don’t have the same qualities,” added Nkhatha.
Chivaviro’s transition to Kaizer Chiefs from Marumo Gallants has not been smooth. Last season, he scored an impressive 17 goals in 30 matches for Gallants, but adapting to the pressure at Chiefs has posed challenges. Despite these struggles, Chivaviro has shown signs of resurgence this season, netting three goals in just four matches.
Critical match against Mamelodi Sundowns
With the Chiefs advancing to the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout, they will face Mamelodi Sundowns on a yet-to-be-confirmed date. As Chivaviro aims to solidify his place in the squad, the advice from Nkhatha could prove pivotal in helping him regain his confidence and performance levels. The pressure of playing for a club as storied as Kaizer Chiefs is immense, but with resilience and the right mindset, Chivaviro can turn the tide in his favour.
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