The Star E-dition

Zwane full of praise for in-form Du Preez

SMISO MSOMI smiso.msomi@inl.co.za

KAIZER Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane is raving about a seemingly reborn Bafana Bafana international Ashley du Preez.

The 25-year-old attacker, despite glimpses of brilliance, has struggled to make his mark at Amakhosi since he arrived at the beginning of the season, leading to him losing his place in the national squad.

The former Stellenbosch FC man terrorised defenders last season, including those at Chiefs, on his way to recording nine goals and three assists in 30 appearances in all competitions.

However, at Chiefs, he battled to find his footing and his poor performances spilt over into the national team as well.

The Cape Town-born marksman has faced great criticism during the course of the season, even though he is en route to matching the kind of numbers that deemed him one of the best in the country last campaign.

Zwane has continued to show great faith in Du Preez, playing him in a variety of positions across the frontline, and leading to him recording six goals and four assists at this stage of the season.

The 49-year-old coach expressed his joy at Du Preez’s form recently as he was instrumental in two of Chiefs’ three goals against Maritzburg United last week.

“We’ve always believed in Ash – top player, top striker, very explosive, and a team player too.

“Unfortunately for him, his progress was hampered by injuries,” Zwane said after the United clash.

“Whenever he came back, when we thought he had regained his form, some niggling injury would take him out for some time.

“But I’m happy now he’s doing well for himself and managed to play 90 minutes.”

Du Preez and Zwane will have more time to continue working on his improved play with the striker having missed out on a call-up for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Amakhosi will next be in action at the beginning of April when they take on Du Preez’s former club Stellies at FNB Stadium.

SPORT

en-za

2023-03-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thestar.pressreader.com/article/283051238692794

African News Agency