With his current deal lapsing next month, Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Matlou feels he deserves to get a new contract at Naturena, wanting to repay the club that "has done a lot" for him with more trophies.
"Yes, my contract is coming to an end at the end of June... I am going to leave that [contract situation] to God and the technical team and the board to give me another opportunity. It's football, so I am not going to plan for the future now. My focus is on winning Saturday's game [against Polokwane City, their last of the season, at FNB] to get into the top eight," Matlou said at Naturena yesterday.
"I'd say I qualify to get a new deal. I am from an injury yes, but I am not going to use that as an excuse that I didn't play regularly. [However] the minutes I played, I gave it my all. Personally, I am happy with how my season has gone. I have come back strongly and I have been fighting for my spot in the playing squad. I have really worked hard when given a chance.
"I still have to give my best for the club and I still have to win more trophies with the club because they have done a lot for me...I have to repay them, that's what I am looking forward to."
Even so, the 26-year-old attacking midfielder admitted that he hasn't really peaked since joining Chiefs from Moroka Swallows in July 2022. Matlou's spell at Naturena has also been blighted by a series of long-term injuries, with the last one sidelining him for almost nine months, missing almost the entire first half of this term.
"I haven't reached the heights I think I can reach. I wish I didn't pick up that injury but it's God's will. I don't plan for the future but God does, so I think I haven't given enough for the club,'' said Matlou, who's yet to score in a Chiefs shirt from 40 appearances, where he racked up just three assists.
Fixtures (all at 3pm)
Saturday: AmaZulu v Pirates, Moses Mabhida; CPT City v Stellenbosch, Cape Town; Arrows v Sekhukhune, Mpumalanga; Chiefs v Polokwane, FNB; Magesi v Marumo, Seshego; SuperSport v Bay, Peter Mokaba.
SowetanLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.