Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has issued his assessment of midfielder George Matlou, who delivered a performance worthy of the Man of the Match accolade he received in the Nedbank Cup tie against Free Agents FC.
Chiefs sealed a spot in the Last 16 of the Nedbank Cup with a 4-0 thrashing of Free Agents at FNB Stadium on Sunday.
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A brace from Pule Mmodi and goal from Inacio Miguel and Ranga Chivaviro were enough to see off the third-tier outfit.
Of significance for Matlou is that this was his first start for the season and only a third appearance overall.
The 26-year-old had been sidelined since November 2023 with multiple injuries.
Amakhosi were understood to have contemplated the idea of releasing Matlou, whose initial contract expired last year and was extended by a year.
Speaking to media after the match, Ben Youssef had plenty of praise for the recently returned star.
"We have to say thank you to our fitness coach," Ben Youssef noted.
"From the first day we got here, we assessed Matlou's injury history, and he (fitness coach) did a lot of work with him. Now, I can say George Matlou is 100% ready to be with the team.
"He started the last match and played 60 minutes. We take it step by step. He started by playing 10 minutes, then 60 minutes, and now 90 minutes."
"He is a clever player tactically. I hope he will help us in the season."
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Matlou will be aiming to put on a similar, if not better, display in the Soweto Derby against rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 15:30.