Maduka Thrilled To See Mkhize Return Amid The FIFA Ban
Royal AM coach John Maduka says they are happy to have Zukile Mkhize back from his injuries as the FIFA ban was maintained by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) this week.
Mkhize, 31, missed the 2022/23 season due to his injuries and he didn’t play even a single game in that season.
The former Golden Arrows player attempted to return last season as he played six league games but suffered another injury again. Despite that he played only six games last season, the Umzimkhulu-born right-back managed to score at least two goals last season.
He scored his two goals against SuperSport United and also against Polokwane City.
This season, Mkhize has played two games against Magesi FC and also against Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Maduka revealed after their 2-1 loss against Sundowns that he is happy about the return of Mkhize.
“Mkhize is one of the influential players in the team, hard work again,” Maduka said when he was asked by Sportswire.
“It’s good to have him in the team, he’s very reliable, he’s very consistence. So, it’s good that he is back.”
The Malawian tactician also said that the return of Mkhize will also bring competition to their team, which will make the players work very hard.
“He’s been unlucky with injuries but whenever he comes back he is the player that works very, very hard. He is a true professional player, so it’s good to have him back in the team and try to make that competition between him and Khulekani Shezi as they play in the same position. So, it’s better when you have two players that are very liable in that position because the way we play we rely more on full-backs going forward. You need people that are very consistent and people that can play so many games as well,” Maduka concluded.
Mkhize and his team, Royal AM FC will be visited by Sekhukhune United at Harry Gwala Stadium in the Betway Premiership match on Saturday.
Royal AM have not yet won even a single game this season, and they will be hoping to find their first win against Lehlohonolo Seema’s side.
