Nyatama gives update on forgotten Swallows star 

Nyatama gives update on forgotten Swallows star 

Swallows FC interim coach Musa Nyatama has explained the reasons why midfielder Given Thibedi, despite his potential, is yet to feature this season.

The former Kaizer Chiefs youth product joined the Dube Birds more than a year ago and split the Amakhosi supporters down the middle following mixed reactions over the decision to permanently offload him.

Former coaches like Steve Komphela and Ernst Middendorp had been involved in Thibedi™s growth and the expectation was that the now 25-year-old creative midfielder would become a household name at Naturena.

œWith Given, he is coming up alright - he will get his chance, Nyatama said of a player that helped Swallows gain promotion back to the elite league two years ago while he was initially on loan from Chiefs.

The Glamour Boys had recalled Thibedi for an assessment to determine whether he was ready to step up to first-team football after the club was hit with a two-window transfer ban by world governing body FIFA in 2020.

But then-coach Gavin Hunt did not seem to have the player in his plans and his stint at Swallows was subsequently extended before eventually being made permanent at the beginning of the 2021/22 season when Stuart Baxter returned to Amakhosi.

˜Manando™, as Thibedi is affectionately referred to in football circles, has now almost become a forgotten player even with the expectation created by some of his ex-coaches.

œThere are a number of good players at the club and he must just fight for his position. But he is training well and he will get his chance. Hopefully, when we resume¦ With our mini-preseason [during the FIFA World Cup break], he can be fully fit and can come and help the team, added Nyatama on the midfielder.

By Mazola Molefe