Players get frustrated for various reasons that could ultimately lead to different issues. Injuries and lack of game time are the chief factors that affect a player’s psyche and form. For a fit player, lack of game time can be frustrating and Given Thibedi is no stranger to this situation.
Star player Given Thibedi has suffered a lack of game time at Swallows FC, but the assistant coach and performance analyst have given reasons for his current situation.
Last season, the 23-year-old Thibedi was a shining star for Swallows FC, with Chiefs expecting much from the player. Fans of Kaizer Chiefs were excited at the return of Thibedi as they expected him to be the fulcrum of the team.
The fans excitement was, however, cut short as head coach Stuart Baxter opted for experience over youth. Players like Cole Alexander and Phathusadze Nange got the look in over Thibedi.
Thibedi has found game time luxury at Kaizer Chiefs as he is yet to make a single appearance for the Amakhosi. The midfielder’s woes are made worse by the fact he featured 21 times in all competitions for Swallows last season.
Sait explained that the team has 40 players, and they can’t all be made happy at the same time. He claims Thibedi is working hard with so much not happening, and he has to find a way to get back into the team.
“His fitness is getting better and better each training session. Like any other player, he needs to wait for his opportunity and get fit that’s all.”
The performance analyst also denies that Thibedi is being destroyed mentally by his current situation.
“Mentally he is well. Everything is good. He is doing his best at training. So it is just a matter of him having to break into the team.
“There’s a whole lot of other players waiting for their opportunity, and like all of them, he needs to put in the mileage and go for it.