By ELIAS CHIPEPO –

GOLDEN Arrows coach Shaun Bartlett has said Nkana striker Festus Mbewe found it difficult to adapt playing in the South African Absa Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Bartlett has also said he cannot guarantee Chipolopolo defender Joseph Musonda regular playing time looking at his age as Arrows shifts focus towards developing young talent and win back promotion.

Speaking in an interview in Durban during the week, Bartlett, a former Bafana Bafana striker said Mbewe failed to live up to the expectations following his impressive scoring record at Nkana.

“We were prompted to sign on Festus based on what we were told about him, the amount of goals scored at Nkana, but sadly he found it difficult to adapt in the PSL failing to score when it really mattered most,” he said.

“It took him time to start scoring and that usually creates pressure among fans and you as a striker. He was nervous inside the 18-area box and it was why I made him an impact player to be coming in as a substitute and he fitted in well,” he added.

He said that decision helped Mbewe to start scoring goals because he looked more comfortable coming in as a substitute but that it was late as Arrows, who were relegated to the National First Division (NFD), needed him to be scoring goals from the first game.

“He is a quality player but you know strikers are judged on their ability to score goals,” he said.

On veteran defender Musonda, Bartlett said he did not see the Zambian player continuing playing for his side as he was looking for youth.

But Bartletti said Musonda might be offered a role outside playing looking at the defenders’ age.

“Joseph is about 36/37 and knowing him, he still wants to play but that his something I cannot guarantee him which is regular playing time. Our aim is to look at youth talent and see how best we can make them strong and win us back promotion,” he said.