Five ways Molefi Ntseki could set-up his Kaizer Chiefs midfield

Otis Ntshangase12 July 2023Last Updated: 12 July 2023

1 minute read

Molefi Ntseki on the sidelines during a match — Molefi Ntseki

Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki will be spoiled by many midfield choices to choose from ahead of the 2023/24 PSL season.

Already Amakhosi had Yusuf Maart, Siyethemba Sithebe, Samkelo Zwane, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Mduduzi Shabalala and Keagan Dolly.

In bolsterting their midfield depth, they brought in the duo of Edson Castillo and Mduduzi Mdantsane.

FARPost writer Otis Ntshangase looks at five ways which Molefi Ntseki could set-up his Chiefs midfield.

EDSON CASTILLO-YUSUF MAART-MDUDUZI MDANTSANE

In this formation, Castillo will be the defending midfilder, which will see Maart have freedom playing as number eight. Maart will be helping in defense and in attack, then Mdantsane will be playing behind strikers as an attacking midfielder.

SIYETHEMBA SITHEBE-EDSON CASTILLO-KEAGAN DOLLY

With this set-up, Ntseki can play Sithebe deep in the midfield shielding the defenders, then Castillo will operate as on a free role feeding the balls to Dolly who will be initiating the attacks behind the strikers.

Kaizer Chiefs players training during their pre-season camp

SAMKELO ZWANE-EDSON CASTILLO-MDUZUZI MDANTSANE

Here the academy graduate Zwane will be playing in number six which will see Castillo moving up to operating as an eight with a free role in the middle of the park. Then Mdantsane will be playing in his best position; number 10 as an attacking midfielder.

SIYETHEMBA SITHEBE-YUSUF MAART-NKOSINGIPHILE NGCOBO

In some matches, Castillo and Mdantsane might not be available. Sithebe can be deployed as a number six, whilst Maart will be placed at his best position playing as an eight then Ngcobo will be behind the strikers providing them will balls in the final third.

EDSON CASTILLO-MDUZUZI MDANTSANE-MDUDUZI SHABALALA

In this type of system, Mdantsane drops to the central midfield. Defensively, he will be helping Castillo and going forward he will be assisting Shabalala who is a young, speedy and talented attacking midfielder.