Tovey: Mabedi's return to Kaizer Chiefs will benefit Komphela

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender and captain Neil Tovey has praised the club’s decision to bring back Patrick Mabedi as an assistant to coach Steve Komphela.

Tovey, who left Amakhosi a year after Mabedi’s arrival in the late 90’s, strongly believes that the Malawi international will instill discipline in the current squad.

He feels Komphela will also be able to enjoy his job as head coach of the club, given that he will be working with someone who brings something different to the technical bench.

“Whoever said Mabedi must be brought back understands Chiefs because he will fix everything that is affecting the team on and off the field,” Tovey told Isolezwe.

“Steve will now enjoy coaching Chiefs because Mabedi brings the tradition of winning trophies. Those who are playing under him will know that they’re coached by someone who has a history at Chiefs,” he said.

“Bringing someone whom the players are familiar with his history of winning trophies will definitely wake the players up. I know he’s always encouraging the players to be disciplined. That will help Chiefs grow as a team and also help bring back the good old days, and not this thing of going two seasons without winning a single trophy,” concluded Tovey.

Mabedi will be Komphela’s third assistant in as many seasons.

In his first year, Komphela worked with Doctor Khumalo, before roping in John Paintsil at the start of his second season in charge. Paintsil has since parted ways with Chiefs.