Kaizer Chiefs were emphatically beaten 4-0 by AmaZulu in a DStv Premiership encounter at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday evening.
Following another defeat to Sekhukhune United, Chiefs’ current trajectory looks bleak.
Here’s what we learnt from that shambolic performance.
POOR AT DEFENDING SET PIECES
Kaizer Chiefs conceded two identical goals from corner kicks. The same script, involving former Amakhosi stars, saw them similarly concede the first two goals.
George Maluleka swung in a cross into the 12-yard box, and the first one was met by Dumisani Zuma, whom Chiefs offloaded at the end of last season.
Zuma is not the tallest of players, and how Chiefs defenders failed to win the header ahead of him is surprising.
One would have thought they would be more alert for the second corner kick. But alas, Ramahlwe Mphahlele got his own goal against his former paymasters.
Interestingly, in his post-match interview, Mphahlele, discarded by Chiefs during the off-season, pointed out they were aware of the Soweto giants’ weakness in defending set pieces.
PRONE TO DEFENSIVE ERRORS
Siyabonga Ngezana got the flak when he gave away two goals in another 4-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns early in DStv Premiership this season.
Zitha Kwinika has had his fair share of mistakes, the latest being last weekend against Sekhukhune.
On Friday, it was Edmilson Dove whose back pass to Itumeleng Khune was intercepted by Sede Dion for the third goal.
In fact, all four goals conceded by Chiefs were down to lapses in defence, which have been the norm since the start of the season. They have let in 20 goals in 16 games while scoring 18.
OVER-RELIANCE ON Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana WILL HAUNT THEM
Of Chiefs’ 20 goals, seven have come from the boot of Bimenyimana, and four of those have come from penalties.
Keagan Dolly has weighed in with three, while Ashley Du Preez has two goals to his name.
The other six goals came from single goals from six different players.
It suggests an over-reliance on the Burundian international, and his failure to convert from the spot on Friday condemned them to defeat.
DESPERATE NEED TO SIGN PLAYERS IF THEY WANT TO COMPETE
As the adage goes, ‘you reap what you sow’, Kaizer Chiefs will reap precisely what they invest into the team.
Arthur Zwane has suggested that they will use the academy graduates to fill in the gaps in the squad.
But the reality is that the likes of Samkelo Zwane, Mdu Shabalala and Wandile Duba need time to adjust to the rigours of PSL football.
They are undoubtedly super-talented youngsters, but they won’t turn Chiefs into a competitive side.
Unless, of course, Chiefs decided they are not chasing any title or trophy for the next two seasons while they rebuild their team.
But then again, the pressure from the fans may turn unbearable should the team continue struggling.
NJABULO BLOM VOID IS CLEAR
Young Samkelo Zwane has shown signs of being a promising player, but to expect him to step into the shoes of Blom is too much of an ask.
Truth be told, Blom is a typical midfield destroyer who breaks up play and puts in challenges to protect the defensive line with ease.
On the other hand, young Zwane seems, at this point, to be a playmaker whose strengths are collecting and distributing the ball. He does that so well. Perhaps he is yet to develop the traits of a defensive midfielder who can offer the much-needed structural stability.
Again, with Zwane at the base of midfield, Yusuf Maart does not have the luxury of venturing forward to aid the attack. He has too keep looking over his shoulders to ensure everything is tidy.
Therefore, Chiefs need a proper central defensive midfielder who can break down opposition attacks and make his teammates play while freeing those in front of him.
Zwane could learn from an experienced midfielder until he is ready to hold the fort.
STANDARD ARE ON THE FLOOR WITH ARTHUR ZWANE
Shocking that after a 4-0 loss, Arthur Zwane dares to say the performance was not too bad. Duh, this is Kaizer Chiefs – the biggest team in local football and one of the biggest on the continent.
Surprisingly, the coach of the team that won 4-0, Romain Folz, was not content. He demanded more from his charges after the game, yet the losing coach claims the performance “wasn’t that bad”.
What about the defensive errors? Aren’t they part and parcel of the performance? There are four exhibits of poor defending by the team from Friday’s game.
If you look through the season, there are plenty of other exhibits. What about the inability to score?
It made me conclude that Arthur Zwane’s standards are on the floor.
With Sundowns their next opponent next Saturday, it would be interesting to see how Chiefs fare against the defending champions.
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