Nyatama explains Thibedi return process and why he hasn’t played yet

Swallows FC interim coach Musa Nyatama, has given an update on Given Thibedi, after his side’s hard-fought 1-1 draw against SuperSport United on Sunday at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Although there were some early rumours of the former Kaizer Chiefs potential return at the start of the season, Manado as he is affectionately known, hasn’t yet featured in any matches since the season started.

Last season Thibedi only made three appearances in all competitions, and he was on the bench on two occasions. With  strong competition in the Dube Bird’s midfield – and his injury problems, Thibedi’s fortunes have dipped somewhat.

However, despite the absence of a match appearance since the season started, Nyatama has insisted that Thibedi remains committed to trying to make the breakthrough, and that he is not far from getting back in contention.

“Given (Thibedi) is coming up already, he will get his chance, we have got a number of good players, he must just fight for his position,” Nyatama told This Is Football.Africa after the match.

“But he’s coming on, and yeah, he will get his chance. Hopefully, when we resume mid pre-season, he can be fully fit and come to help the team.” The Soweto giants will resume the season when they visit Richards Bay on the 31st of December after the completion of FIFA World Cup.

Given Thibedi of Swallows during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Swallows at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on the 21 May 2022 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix