Thuso Phala could well find himself playing a new role for The Amakhosi when they resume their Premier Soccer League campaign on Wednesday evening in Rustenburg against Thanda Royal Zulu, as coach Muhsin Ertugral is looking to move Phala from his more accustomed position on the wing to a more central role. The 21-year-old Phala who made his official debut for Chiefs as a substitute on the opening day of the season against Thanda Royal Zulu back in August, according to Muhsin Ertugral has both the pace and the finishing ability to be played in an attacking role instead of being utilized as a winger.

Phala who was last season nominated for the 2006 – 2007 Jet Rookie of the year award, caught the attention of a number of suitors with his ability to take on defenders and create opportunities for the front men in what was his first in the PSL. After initially impressing with Platinum Stars, he then transferred to the Amakhosi. Ertugral also believes that given the new instructions, Phala could well find himself playing a key role in Chiefs successes over the next few months of the season.

Thuso can

Ertugral was impressed with Phala’s willingness to try playing away from the wing and believes that the keenness shown by Phala will go a long way towards ensuring that he is able to fulfill his promise as a real talent. Ertugral explained, “over the past couple of weeks I sat down with my assistant Fani Madida and we thought that we will experiment using Thuso as a central attacking player. The player did well in this position during the recent camp that we had and the friendly matches that we played in, we needed some one quick and nimble who could fit into that role and Thuso I believe will do well as he is quick and has a keen eye for goal”.

Familiar Ground

Furthermore Ertugral believes that placing Thuso in a central position with him having attacking instructions will not be new territory for the South Africa U-23 player, as Phala has in the past played as an attacking midfielder and as a striker. On this Ertugral explained “while I was throwing around the idea with Thuso about him playing in a different position he did mention that during his junior playing days he did fill the role as a striker. He has shown a lot of promise playing with an attacking mindset and I believe that we have found a position for him to play in that best suits his style”.

Phala Prepared

Phala for his part is ready to embrace the challenge of being allowed to play further up field and is happy to be allowed to attack more by the coach as he said to kaizerchiefs.com. “I am fine with the coach wanting to move me away from the wings, really it is not new for me to play in an attacking position, where I am charged with helping out the attackers I have played there before”.