Chiefs' October Load A Nightmare?

Kaizer Chiefs did not make any late additions to their squad in the recently completed transfer window and with the fixture load looming next month,

 

Kaizer Chiefs did not make any late additions to their squad in the recently completed transfer window and with the fixture load looming next month, do they have the depth to cope? The PSL season will go into a recess at the end of next month, owing to the FIFA World Cup taking place in Novemeber.

That has meant there will be a fixture overload next month and also when the league resumes in December, in order for the season to finish on schedule.

Chiefs will have to contend with seven matches in the month of October, including crucial MTN8 semi-finals against AmaZulu over two-legs.

The Glamour Boys' squad depth was put to the test recently against Royal AM in Macufe Cup, where they fielded a second-string side. Arthur Zwane's charges did not make a lasting impression and with seven fixtures looming in one month, do they have what it takes to cope?

We look at whether or not Amakhosi have enough depth to finish the first round of the season in a good position on the log and also if that can affect their chances of reaching the MTN8 final.

Is there back-up for Bimenyimana?

Chiefs struggled for goals without a focal striker, who can occupy defenders, pull them out of positions and score goals. Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana gave Amakhosi's squad confidence a massive boost with a brace against SuperSport United.

However, with games coming thick and fast, do Amakhosi have a replacement or a direct striker in reserve, for the Burundian?

The Soweto giants utilized Diski Challenge striker Wandile Duba in the Macufe Cup friendly against AM, as they struggled to create chances.

Amakhosi will be hoping Bimenyimana stays fit and is not suspended for the last block of fixtures for the year.

Can Khune cope with the fixture pile-up?

Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune raised concerns after playing 120 minutes in an MTN8 quarter-final game against Stellenbosch, which was his first of the season.

Khune, 35, revealed that it took him four days to fully recover from playing a game that went to extra-time and that after a long time out, his body was not used to a recovery process after a demanding match.

Will Zwane rotate the goalkeepers, as pressure is already mounting for the team to get results?

Other goalkeepers, Brandon Petersen and Bruce Bvuma have not covered themselves in glory this season when given a chance, with the latter conceding against Thwihla Thwahla.

Chiefs over-reliant on Maart & Sithebe?

Yusuf Maart and Siyethemba Sithebe don't seem to have competition as a midfield combination at the club.

Phathutshedzo Nange and Cole Alexander have not raised their game when given a chance.

The Glamour Boys struggled without Maart after he was suspended for two matches against Cape Town City (2-0 loss) and Stellenbosch (1-1, won on penalties).

However, the glimmer of hope is Njabulo Blom being used in a defensive midfield role, which opens up options for Zwane, with regards to midfield combinations.

Chiefs' fixture pile-up for October

1. Home v AmaZulu (cup)
2. Away v Swallows
3. Away v Stellenbosch
4. Home v Chippa United
5. Home v TS Galaxy
6. Away v AmaZulu (cup)
7. Away v Orlando Pirates