Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] coach Dillon Sheppard has commented on Naledi Hlongwane’s progress amidst interest from Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy.
Galaxy coach Sean Connor, who currently leads the log in the neighbouring country, is a known admirer of the talented forward.
The mining outfit is reportedly plotting an attempt to bring in the 20-year-old forward for the second round of the season as they push for the title. Connor, a Northern Irish coach, knows the Vaal-born striker from his time at Cape Town Spurs.
His attempts to sign the rising forward in August hit a brick wall as former Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi indicated the youngster was in his plans. The South African youth international was part of the first team’s pre-season preparations in the Netherlands and started the first Betway Premiership game.
However, the arrival of Khanyisa Mayo, Etiosa Ighodaro and Flavio Da Silva has pushed him down the pecking order.
WHAT WAS THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN SHEPPARD AND NALEDI HLONGWANE?
It was a positive conversation [on returning to DDC], he is a very level-headed boy and quite confident in his ability, so we had the discussion, and to be fair, he has come back to the DDC with the same attitude,” Sheppard said.
“Unfortunately, he missed a couple of weeks with a recurring hamstring injury, so he hasn’t had continuous game time. However, he came on [against Pirates] last weekend and showed his quality.”
He added that the DDC trio that Nabi took to pre-season, including Thulani Mabaso and Kabelo Nkgwesa, had shown “character”.
“They have just started on the same foot they left with, the first team know they are there, monitoring their progress, and when the opportunities come, it’s about them being ready for those opportunities.”
Hlongwane scored the second goal for champions Chiefs in their 2-0 derby victory over Orlando Pirates in the DDC last weekend.
