‘We want to finish the season on a high note’ – Nange

Phatutshedzo Nange was recently selected by the Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, and the midfielder has plenty to play for against the Dube Birds of Swallows this weekend.

Nange will combat for a spot in Broos’ final Bafana squad for the upcoming 2023 African Nations Cup qualifiers against Morocco and Zimbabwe in June, which will be announced at the end of May.

The 30-year-old central midfielder will therefore be looking to finish the DStv Premiership season on a strong note when Chiefs host Swallows in their final league game of the season at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

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The former Black Leopards midfielder has had the up and downs in his first season at Chiefs but it seems like things are going his way.

He was one of the standout performers in the recent 1-1 draw against DStv Premiership champions Sundowns, scoring the equaliser for Amakhosi in positive team performance.

But while he is naturally determined to see his name called amongst Bafana’s final squad for the crucial qualifiers against the Atlas Lions and the Warriors, Nange is putting team performance ahead of personal ambitions this weekend.

His whole-hearted approach saw him miss the recent win against Sekhukhune with suspension after he picked up four bookings, but he is fit and raring to go against the Birds.

“I was happy that I scored (against Sundowns), but more importantly I was also happy with the team’s performance. We wanted to get three points but had to settle for a point against Sundowns. I just want to keep working and stay positive and make sure we work hard as a team and as a club,” Nange told Chiefs Media.

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There are plenty of permutations in the last game of the season, with Chiefs still in contention for a CAF competition spot, but Nange is looking no further than a win against Swallows and then seeing where the chips fall.

“I’m only looking at us, looking at us as a team. It’s everyone’s dream to play in the CAF Champions League and CAF competitions and to do well. We still remember the team recently going to the CAF Champions League final against Al Ahly and what a great achievement that was for the club and we want to get back there and ensure we do well at CAF again. But for now, we just want to do our best in the last game and finish the season on a high note with three points. That’s what we want, to win the game, and we will see what will happen after that,” said Nange.