Soweto Derby

Micho praises Chabalala after Soweto derby

You are currently viewing Micho praises Chabalala after Soweto derby
Justice Chabalala

Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic has praised the performance of Justice Chabalala in the Carling Black Label Cup match against Kaizer Chiefs after not playing competitive football for some time.

Chabalala made his first appearance for the Buccaneers since December 2017 in the 2-0 win over their arch-rivals at the FNB Stadium this weekend.

The defender has struggled for game time since the arrival of Sredojevic but was voted into the starting lineup by Pirates fans.

Despite his lack of playing time the 27-year-old produced an accomplished display, showcasing his ability to repay the Pirates faithful for their support.

His performance also led the Serbian mentor to praise the defender.

‘On Justice Chabalala, when you look from the point of human qualities and loyalty, knowing that so many teams have looked for him, he has shown an enormous amount of loyalty to the team,’ said Micho after the match.

‘He has always been a generator of positive energy in the team, and him being voted for by supporters was not by accident – they have recognised the heart of the player from Giyani.

‘And he needed personal man management in preparing for this match, but having in mind on 21 October 2017, he played his first derby, so this was like his second in a way.

‘We are extremely happy as a technical team with the players that have helped him to practically adapt and adjust to the team, the game and the challenges that this game brought,’ added Micho on the defender’s ability to adjust to the team despite his lack of time on the pitch.

‘He has knocked on the door, but in the same moment we have no right to judge one game as a finished product. There are many more games of this magnitude. I hope it will help him gain confidence because he has not played for many months.

‘But coming today with a parachute into a match of this magnitude, we are extremely happy and proud of him and his performance today,’ concluded the Pirates coach.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix