Orlando Pirates legend Steve "Chippa" Lekoelea asserts that head coach, Jose Riveiro, and his technical team are the reason for Lesedi Kapinga's struggles.
The 28-year-old Kapinga was anticipated to be a key player for Orlando this season following his highly publicized move from Mamelodi Sundowns.
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He was even hailed as Pirates' biggest signing of the season.
However, the Limpopo-born striker has thus far failed to make an impression, spending more time on the sidelines than on the pitch.
Kapinga has participated in only four matches across all competitions for the Sea Robbers, failing to register a single assist or score a goal.
"Lesedi Kapinga is a good player, but he is not getting enough chances or game time at Pirates," Lekoelea tells KickOff.
"To perform well, you need match fitness, and match fitness comes with game time.
"To gain match fitness, you need to play every day, thereby getting accustomed to your teammates.
"If you're not playing regularly, you get left behind.
"I advise him to stay strong and not dwell too much on the coach but rather concentrate on earning a spot in the starting lineup.
"He needs to continue working hard; he's a good player, and I don't understand why he's always on the bench.
"The Pirates' style of play and culture require players like Kapinga. The game is always played at a high tempo when players like Kapinga and Fortune Makaringe are on the field.
"As players, we are not all the same; some situations can be detrimental to them, leading them to question what is wrong, while others can bounce back."
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