Kaizer Chiefs recently played to a goalless draw against Cape Town City in the DStv Premiership, and the absence of young star Samkelo Zwane from the starting lineup has raised questions about his future with the club. With regular central midfielders Yusuf Maart and Edson Castillo suspended, fans anticipated Zwane's inclusion in the lineup, given his frequent presence on coach Cavin Johnson's bench. However, to the surprise of many, experienced campaigner Siyethemba Sithebe was selected instead, leaving Zwane sidelined for the match.
Coach Johnson's decision to opt for Sithebe over Zwane was explained as a vote of confidence in the former's abilities, despite Sithebe's limited game time prior to this match. Johnson emphasized his commitment to giving every player an opportunity to prove themselves and praised Sithebe's performance on the day. However, this decision could signal a setback for Zwane, especially considering rumors of his impending departure from the club and his status as a promising talent for Chiefs' future.
Zwane's limited playing time this season contrasts with expectations for his development following his breakout season last year, where he made 12 league appearances. Despite hopes of increased involvement under both former coach Molefi Ntseki and Johnson, Zwane has struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup. His exclusion from the team in favor of a player reportedly on the way out suggests uncertainty regarding his future at Chiefs. While Zwane's prospects with the club remain unclear, it is speculated that he may need to await the arrival of a new coach who could reassess his potential. With just six appearances this season, Zwane's path forward may depend on the evaluation of his performance by incoming coaching staff. As speculation mounts about Zwane's role at Chiefs, his absence from the starting lineup in key matches could be interpreted as a sign of diminishing opportunities under current management.