Christian Saile, the Congolese winger who joined Kaizer Chiefs last season, has spoken about his adaptation to life in the PSL.
Saile, who has impressed in flashes since his arrival, admits that the league is a step up from the Zambian league.
“The leagues aren’t the same,” he said. “The PSL is a difficult league. He needs more time to adapt. He feels like he’s getting there.”
The 22-year-old has struggled to replicate the form he showed in Zambia when scoring 19 goals and providing 12 assists, but he is working hard to improve his scoring form. He has scored only one goal so far this season.
“I’m working hard to start scoring goals and get the confidence,” Saile added.
Saile also revealed that he prefers to play on the wings rather than the central attacking role he often played in Zambia.
“In Zambia, the formation they played was a 4-4-2. That’s why I was a striker. But I prefer to play on the sides – left or right. I played as a 10 because I move a lot.
“I understand that my form for Kaizer Chiefs will have a bearing on my international chances.
“If the team does well, it will be easy to make the national team,” he said. “If we win cups and play in CAF, it makes it easy for the national selectors to follow me.”
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Saile concluded by highlighting the differences between the PSL and the Zambian league.
“There’s a big difference between Zambia and the PSL,” he said. “There is a lot of running there and a lot of counter-attacks here; you avail yourself.
“There, the defenders will give you the balls.”
Saile is determined to make a success of his time at Kaizer Chiefs, and he is confident that he can adapt to the demands of the PSL.
“He started watching the team on TV, and he knew they were a big team,” he said.
“He’s working hard to give his best.”
The difference between the coaches is that previously, they wanted the wingers to invert and play more in midfield. But now I’ve to stay on the side. They expect the wingers to stay a bit wide and have one-on-one with defenders and cross.”