Arthur Zwane believes a lack of leadership has been one of the biggest problems for Kaizer Chiefs this season. Chiefs have had a season to forget, with their hopes of playing in any Caf club competition shattered after their 2-2 draw with Swallows FC on Saturday.
Amakhosi could finish outside the top four if either Royal AM or Orlando Pirates get results in their remaining fixtures. The Durban side is fifth with two games in hand, just a point adrift of Chiefs, while Pirates have three games in hand after playing in the final of the Caf Confederation Cup last Friday.
The club’s interim coach, Zwane, admitted that the Chiefs dressing room is crying out for the type of big characters he played with at Naturena. His decade-long Chiefs career saw him lift over 15 major trophies, including two league titles and a continental medal.
“What I have seen since I have been part of the first team I think we have lost that [leadership], it’s something we have to bring back with immediate effect if we were to change things for the better for Chiefs to start winning cups and challenging for honours,” said Zwane.
He said the presence of leaders in the dressing room made it easy for youngsters coming from the youth structures to settle in swiftly.
“When players were promoted to the first team, they were promoted to a star-studded squad and committed players. There was no begging anyone to play for this team, whether a youngster or a new player; we led by example. We’d tell you how things are done, and I think this is what has been missing in the Kaizer Chiefs squad, leadership,” said a visibly disappointed Zwane.
The man affectionately known as ‘10111’ further added that the quality of players they have contributed to the failure of winning trophies, hinting that some of the players will be released.
“We didn’t have good players to play for this club; we have players who can play but are not good enough. Those are the things that talk to us as a club in the future, who should be part of the team and who should not be part of the team. I will be realistic with that; I think we’ve been nursing some of the players’ feelings for far too long now that things have to change.”
Amakhosi last won a silverware in the 2014/15 season when they lifted the Premiership title under the guidance of Stuart Baxter.
