Zwane remains confident in Du Preez after criticism

Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane remains confident in striker Ashley Du Preez, who has come under heavy criticism for failing to convert chances.

The 25-year-old could have grabbed an early equalizer for Amakhosi when they faced AmaZulu in the first leg of their MTN8 semifinal game at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon, but skied his shot over the bar with goalkeeper Veli Mothwa already on the ground and back-paddling.

It was substitute Keagan Dolly who saved Chiefs™ blushes by leveling matters in the second half, but Zwane still has faith in Du Preez.

"He is a big boy, he has a strong character. He is one boy that I believe in him, we all believe in him, we know that he is gonna get it right at some point. And as I have been saying, football is the game of mistakes and there are times when things are not going your way and as a coach the only thing that I have to do is to lift him up, is to work on him to improve his game, and he's easy to work with," said Zwane.

Du Preez was also one of several Bafana Bafana debutants last week against Botswana, a performance the national team coach was far from pleased with.

But Zwane backs Du Preez, the top goal scorer for Stellenbosch FC last season before joining Amakhosi, to find his golden boots.

"Ashley is one of those players I believe he is gonna get it right, he's gonna score many goals this season, I do believe in him and he is gonna get it right and he's gonna bounce back very strong," Zwane added.

By Mazola Molefe