Christian Saile Basomboli made his debut for Kaizer Chiefs in the 2-0 win over Royal AM over the weekend, and the Congolese forward’s maiden appearance came with so much promise.
Despite being on the pitch for 35 minutes, the former Nchanga Rangers forward gave the MaMkhize-owned Royal AM problems in the final third.
The 22-year-old forward provided the assist for the second goal, which Ashley Du Preez scored to end a three-match winless streak.
Here are four things Saile promises to add to the Amakhosi frontline.
GOAL SCORING THREAT
Whether he will replicate the scoring form that saw him become a regular goal-scorer in Zambia or not is one thing. But he looks likely to be a threat going forward. His burst of pace and runs into the box provide that extra goal threat.
If you investigate his career, even at his previous club Nchanga Rangers, his goals are as good as his assists. He scored 19 goals and got 15 assists last season. This season, he has scored seven goals and eight assists.
Chiefs have over-relied on Caleb-Bonfils Bimenyimana for goals, with Keagan Dolly chipping in with a few. If Saile lives to his billing, he could be that extra man giving them the goals.
FOULS IN THE FINAL THIRD
In that 35-minute cameo, he played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium; he was fouled in a very good position as the Durban side’s defenders struggled to contain him.
Saile is a direct, pacy and skilful forward, and, more often than not, defenders resort to fouling him. He will likely get Chiefs a lot of free kicks in good areas.
MORE OPTIONS UPFRONT
Zwane played him on the right wing, where he loves cutting in from the right to strike the ball with his left. He attempted a shot that way, but it was a bit too tame.
It won’t be surprising if he plays him as a nine should he want to try something new after Bimenyimana’s barren spell.
The Burundian’s last goal was in the 2-0 win over Golden Arrows on New Year’s Eve. The left-footed Saile can also play off the left wing, should Zwane want to switch things up.
CHRISTIAN SAILE PRESSES FROM THE TOP
He is a master at pressing, as fans would have noted when his ricochet nearly resulted in a goal. He applies pressure on defenders when his team is out of possession.
He also helps in defending, as seen when Dillon Solomons came off. Chiefs were one man short. In that period, Saile dropped into Solomons’ position and made a vital clearance.
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