A pall of frustration hangs over Ranga Chivaviro’s Kaizer Chiefs adventure. Goals, once his currency, have become a rare commodity. With pressure mounting, the club has been offered a solution to unlock the striker’s predatory instincts.
Chivaviro joined Amakhosi at the start of the 2023/2024 PSL season from Marumo Gallants, where he impressed, scoring 16 goals in 29 matches last campaign.
His prolific form at Gallants had painted him as the golden solution to Chiefs’ goal-shy woes. As a result, Chivaviro has shouldered the immense burden of carrying the club’s scoring hopes this season.
However, the 31-year-old hasn’t lived up to the expectations, as he has only netted twice in the 13 games he has played so far across all competitions.
Chiefs, although, have a few supremely talented young midfielders in Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Mduduzi Tshabalala and Samkelo Zwane, to mention a few, who are capable of doing justice to the brand and could probably supply Chivaviro.
Moreover, the presence of newly signed players, the likes of Pule Mmodi, Mduduzi Mdantsane, Tebogo Potsane and Edson Castillo, would ensure that Chiefs can orchestrate moves from the wings to support the striker.
But the Glamour Boys have, of late, relied less on crosses delivered to the opposition penalty box, which means Chivaviro has had fewer opportunities to use his aerial prowess.
FORMER CHIEFS STAR prescribe solutions to unlock Chivaviro’s Amakhosi potential
Considering his goal figures thus far, former Amakhosi midfielder Michael Nkambule, who donned the famous gold and black jersey over a decade ago, claimed Chivaviro does not get enough support from the suppliers.
The ex-Chiefs star believes that, in order for Chivaviro to adjust and adapt to Amakhosi’s life, the club should bring in more creative players in the current transfer window.
“Ranga (Chivaviro) did very well for Marumo Gallants last season, and now he played a few games for Chiefs, but you can see that he’s a good player,” Nkambule told FARPost.
“He needs a chance because he’s coming alright. I have watched him play. He did well even in the CAF Confederation Cup with Gallants.
“But, I think Chiefs must recruit creative players to help him and other strikers. Sometimes, for strikers to shine, they require creative players.
“Chiefs lack creative players, and that makes strikers struggle for goals and for the fans to see how good they are for the club. So they need support from the management.”
The Soweto giants have a chance to bolster their striking force and the team in general, as the January transfer window has opened.
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Story by Clifton Mabasa
