It never rains but it pours for Kaizer Chiefs, who haven’t gotten out of second gear yet this season. Here are five things that must change right now
Kaizer Chiefs haven’t gotten out of second gear yet this season, but there’s still time to address the numerous issues that Amakhosi currently face.
ARTHUR ZWANE’S TACTICS
A shift to a 4-3-3 could be one option open to head coach Zwane, but he may have to wield the axe and drop Keagan Dolly indefinitely. A 4-2-3-1 hasn’t served them well so far this term, so a change in system is definitely worth a shot. A lot of Chiefs’ football has been too static and predictable. A change is as good as a holiday, as they say.
CHIEFS MUST SCORE MORE GOALS
This is probably the most obvious statement of all time, but someone had to say it. A lack of attacking cutting edge is what has defined Kaizer Chiefs so far in the 2022-23 season. They’ve scored just seven goals in eight DStv Premiership matches so far this season, and that’s not acceptable for Amakhosi faithful. Perhaps the formation switch mentioned above could help.
YUSUF MAART SHOULD OPERATE HIGHER UP THE PITCH
Yusuf Maart was signed as a 6, but he’s recently shown glimpses of quality in a more advanced midfield role. If he’s the player in form, Maart should keep his place in the starting XI and Dolly should have to fight him for it. The jersey is Maart’s until someone displaces the ex-Sekhukhune schemer.
CHIEFS MUST PLAN FOR LIFE WITHOUT DOLLY AND BILLIAT
Superstar duo Keagan Dolly and Khama Billiat, it’s safe to say, have performed far below expectations so far in a Chiefs jersey. Form is temporary and class is permanent, sure. But until these two find form again, they should have to settle for a place on the bench.
Arthur Zwane could do a lot worse than giving a few youngsters a go in the first 11 until that happens. Samkelo Zwane is one of them. The 20-year-old starred against Royal AM in an otherwise forgettable Macufe Cup outing for Chiefs. While we’re on the subject of young players, it’s also of urgent importance that Chiefs resolve 22-year-old Njabulo Blom’s contract situation.
THE MOOD AROUND THE CLUB
Throughout 2022-23, there’s been a pessimistic vibe surrounding Kaizer Chiefs football club. A win against AmaZulu on Sunday would mean that Amakhosi is halfway to a cup final. Isn’t it crazy how quickly things change in football?Is there light at the end of the tunnel? A win in the MTN8 semifinal would certainly help.
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