Neil Tovey: Thamsanqa Sangweni can achieve great things at Orlando Pirates

Legendary Kaizer Chiefs defender Neil Tovey believes that Orlando Pirates midfielder Thamsanqa Sangweni can still work his way into the team's starting line-up.

The 28-year-old has failed to live up to expectations at the Soweto giants since joining the club from Chippa United last August - having made only three competitive appearances for Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic's side.

Rumours suggest that Bucs could offload Sangweni in the upcoming July-August 2018 transfer window.

However, Tovey, who coached Sangweni during his debut campaign (2009/10) in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) at AmaZulu FC, stated that Sangweni has what it takes to succeed at Pirates.

“Thami is a talented player; no doubts about that," Tovey said when speaking told Sowetan.

"He has to work even harder to get into the first team. He must remain focused and committed," the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach continued.

"I cannot say he has failed at Pirates because he just joined at the start of the season,’’ he added.

Tovey, who is now working as a technical director at the South African Football Association (Safa), recognises Sangweni as one of the best midfielders in the PSL.

“He is one of the best midfielders in the country who has the potential, but the most important thing is how he works at training," he said.

"I think he can achieve great things at Pirates but it is up to him to step up to the plate,’’ the former South Africa international concluded.

Sangweni is competing with the likes of Musa Nyatama, Xola Mlambo, Marshall Munetsi and Issa Sarr for a place in the Bucs starting line-up.

Micho has urged Sangweni to continue working hard in order to get a chance to play regularly again.

The former Ajax Cape Town player will be hoping to feature for Pirates when they host Bidvest Wits in a league game at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, the 25th of April 2018.