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New lease of life for Ramahlwe Mphahlele as he gets rare game-time

Ramahlwe Mphahlele of Kaizer Chiefs is challenged by Ricardo Versuur of Highlands Park during Wednesday's Absa Premiership match./Muzi Ntombela / BackpagePix
Ramahlwe Mphahlele of Kaizer Chiefs is challenged by Ricardo Versuur of Highlands Park during Wednesday's Absa Premiership match./Muzi Ntombela / BackpagePix

Having just played 33 minutes of Kaizer Chiefs' 16 league outings this season, experienced fullback Ramahlwe Mphahlele has opened up about the hurdles in trying to break into the playing squad.

Mphahlele, who turns 30 next month, made only his second Absa Premiership appearance of the season when Chiefs outshone Highlands Park 3-0 at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.

Before featuring for the last 25 minutes against the Lions of the North, the ex-Mamelodi Sundowns skipper had last tasted action in the very first league match of the season against the same opponents in August, playing just eight minutes.

"[Playing again] was good because it's not easy to break into the team when the team is doing well. The only thing you do is keep on working hard and wait for your chance. That's what I did," Mphahlele told Sowetan yesterday.

"I had injuries and when I came back Reeve [Frosler] was doing well and [Njabulo] Blom was also playing. A lot of guys played in that rightback position. I remained patient."

While he's been itching for action, Mphahlele has insisted he was supportive of those who were playing because the team takes priority over him.

"Look, every player wants to play. It's not a secret that we all want to play. But eish, you don't want to be a bad teammate also and start showing attitude when you're not playing. You support the ones that are playing and I did just that," said Mphahlele.

"One needs to be selfless and put the team first."

Heading into what promises to be a tricky match against Cape Town City at FNB Stadium on Sunday (3.30pm), Mphahlele banks on the morale they gained by beating Highlands.

"We played well last night [Wednesday] and the confidence is sky high. It would be good to get a second win on the trot on Sunday."

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