Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has explained why new signing James Kotei is yet to make his debut for the Soweto giants.

The Ghanaian midfielder joined Amakhosi from Tanzanian outfit Simba Sport Club after putting pen to paper on a three-year contract.

The 25-year-old will be competing for a place in Middendorp’s midfield and faces stiff competition from the likes of Willard Katsande, Baccus and George Maluleka.

Middendorp insists Kotei needs to get fully match fit and needs time to adapt to life at his new club before making his debut for Amakhosi.

‘It is not unusual that players need a bit more time, and good, I’m very happy with their progress,’ Middendorp told the media.

‘Even Lazarous Kambole is not at his best that he can bring to us, but Samir is so far a very confident type of player, knowing the professional set-up.

‘Lazarous is close to him. Kearyn Baccus is a bit behind having come in later. He was not with us from the beginning and, of course, James Kotei is a similar case.

‘We have to look into how far we can give them a little bit of time, and I think with the options in different areas that we have, we can provide them that time to bring them in and to really adapt.’