What is wrong with Nkhatha
Nkhatha shouldered most of the blame for his team's trophy-less streak last term. Coach, Stuart Baxter, has nonetheless shown faith in him ever since they arrived together at the start of the 2012-13 season.
This Zimbabwean striker is known for his fantastic work-rate, but finding the back of the net has been a rare occasion. Nkhatha has made a total of 52 league appearances since his arrival at Naturena and scored 14 goals in the process. Not too convincing for a striker playing for one of the biggest teams in the domestic league. What actually makes things worse for him, is that last season he played alongside consistent scorers in the form of Bernard Parker and Knowledge Musona. With Musona back overseas and Parker out injured, Mandla Masango has stepped up to the plate with goals recently.
Nkhatha is a big guy who can hold the ball and create goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. Many defenders battle containing him due to his physique, which has created a lot of game-winning set-pieces for Amakhosi. However, we can't overlook the fact that his primary job as a striker is to score goals. We have to admit that in the entire PSL we have a goal scoring problem. Last season's top scorer (Parker) netted only 10 goals. The season before it was Katlego Mashego with 13 goals who was the top gun. Compared to other forwards in the PSL, Nkhatha is not that bad, but he can do better considering the amount of supply he gets from his creative midfield where the likes of Simphiwe Tshabalala, George Lebese, George Maluleka and Reneilwe Letsholonyane are operating.
Nkhatha has to find his scoring boots or else the booing won't stop, that's the sad reality of playing for the so-called big teams where even minor mistakes can eclipse immense contributions. Tonight's match against Platinum Stars presents a golden opportunity for him to rise to the occasion, since Katlego Mphela is out injured. It will be interesting to see who will be in Baxter's preferred strike-force this season as Parker and Matthew Rusike have resumed full training, while Masango is in good form and the newly-signed Siphelele Mthembu is seeking regular game-time.
(File Photo:Gallo Images)
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