Simo Dladla addresses why some KZN players struggle in the top flight

The likes of Njabulo Ngcobo and Austin Dube struggled with game time at Kaizer Chiefs, which led to Dube moving back to Richards Bay FC.

Luvuyo Phewa at Mamelodi Sundowns has been spending a lot of time on loan. 

In an exclusive Interview with SABC Sport, Dladla, who worked with Ngcobo, Dube and Phewa from the lower division believes a lack of belief and supporting structure may be affecting these players.

"It's very important to work or play for clubs where you will receive support and where you will be embraced. I'm not saying they were not welcomed with open arms or don't have enough support but I know these are the things that can help players believe in themselves,” Dladla said.

“When I started working with them, they hadn't played football professionally and they were coming from amateur leagues but because I believed in them, they were able to grow in football.

“There are other players who are also doing very well, like Ricardo Goss and it makes me very happy to see him getting game time consistently at SuperSport United and receiving a call-up to Bafana Bafana.

“In life and football, you need someone who will believe in you, mentor you and someone who will be patient with you if you make mistakes, they had that with me and I think they need it going forward."

Maritzburg United will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup clash, an opportunity for Dladla to outsmart his mentor coach Manqoba Mngqithi. 

Dladla has shared what he is learning from Mnqithi.

"I've learnt a lot from him and we are very close but obviously I'm not going to call him before we play but he's a phone call away from me. I learn a lot from him and the way he carries himself and the way they're running the team, it's a lesson for me. Even having access to him is a huge blessing to me," Dladla concluded.