Kaizer Chiefs coach waters down high hopes on rising star Naledi Hlongwane - 'We just don't know what to expect'

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi promoted attacker Naledi Hlongwane to the first team from the club's reserve side.

The 19-year-old has shown potential to become a key player for Amakhosi in future and was on target in the friendly match against PEC Zwolle on Tuesday.

However, Chiefs' reserve team coach Vela Khumalo has moved in to lower expectations on the starlet.

"Hlongwane is a promising youngster, and I have heard reports that he is excelling with the first team over in the Netherlands," Khumalo told KickOff. 

"However, I'm not sure if this is the right time for him to join the first team. He might face pressure since the team is not performing well at the moment. 

"It's a catch-22 situation - whether he will live up to expectations or whether he needs to be supported by older, more experienced players to excel. It's a tricky situation. 

"But he is ready.  He is a notable striker and similar to Wandile Duba," added the Amakhosi coach.

"If the team were performing well, I would be confident he would shine immediately, but given the current circumstances, we just don't know what to expect. 

"It also depends on whether he understands what the first team coach wants from him."

After Chiefs parted ways with some of their DStv Diski Challenge players, including some who were top performers last season, Nabi has shown faith in Hlongwane.

That might put some weight on the attacker's shoulders to repay the coach's faith in him.

There is also scrutiny on Amakhosi youngsters who are expected to match the competitive level of players like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Malibongwe Khoza and Kutlwano Letlhaku.

Hlongwane, together with the likes of Kabelo Nkgwesa and Thulani Mabaso, who were also promoted to the first team, will be trying to turn themselves into regulars in the 2025/26 season.

They are raising their hands in the friendlies Chiefs are playing in the Netherlands, and could feature again against FC Twente on Wednesday.