Orlando Pirates defender Tshepho Mashiloane has probably had the worst start among the club’s 12 new signings.
After starting the first three games of the season against Polokwane City, Sekhukhune United, and Marumo Gallants, the Orlando Pirates defender was dropped for the Mamelodi Sundowns game.
The right back’s former coach, Dan Malesela, has watched Mashiloane’s rocky start in Soweto and has offered the reasons behind the 23-year-old’s struggle.
DAN MALESELA ON TSHEPHO MASHILOANE
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“When you embark on a new journey, people will always question everything you do,” Malesela told KickOff. “Players improve with game time, and sometimes we are too quick to criticise them without giving them a chance.
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“I’ve said it before: Tshepo’s only challenge at Orlando Pirates will be dealing with crosses. It’s an issue he faced here with us, too. He needs to improve his reading and anticipation of crosses. Other than that, he is a fine player.
“People should not rush to judge; they need to give others a chance. No one starts a new job knowing everything about the company. We all need time to adapt. I also encourage the senior players at Orlando Pirates to help guide him on how things are done during games at the club.
“The good news is that struggling to deal with crosses is a challenge that can be trained and coached,” the former Orlando Pirates star concluded.
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