Tinkler reveals key differences between Ntseki’s and Johnson’s Kaizer Chiefs

Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler has highlighted the differences between Molefi Ntseki’s Kaizer Chiefs and now under interim coach Cavin Johnson.

Tinkler’s CT City played Chiefs twice under Ntseki early in the season. CT City won the DStv Premiership clash 1-0 before losing 2-1 in the MTN8 Cup. The two teams meet on Saturday in a league match at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

Both sides, chasing CAF Champions League qualification, desperately need points to keep their continental dreams alive. The encounter comes amid inconsistent form for both teams.

CT City has managed just one win in its last eight league outings, while Chiefs have won only one of their last six matches, including a recent defeat in the Soweto Derby. Despite their struggles, Chiefs and City remain within reach of the coveted Champions League spots.

However, a victory this weekend is crucial. A loss for either side would be a significant blow to their aspirations of continental football next season.

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NTSEKI’S AND JOHNSON’S CHIEFS ERIC TINKLER HAS NOTED

The CT City mentor highlights some key shifts in Chiefs’ approach under Johnson. He acknowledges the continued threat of the Chiefs’ pace on the counterattack but also warns of their newfound ability to break down defences through controlled build-up play.

“They’re still an extremely dangerous team on the counterattack. They’ve got a lot of speed up front and look to utilise and play with that speed,” Tinkler told the media.

“I think certain areas of their game they still have their issues that we need to exploit. But the threat upfront is a massive threat. The speed that they have they seem to be utilising more successfully right now than what they were at the beginning of the season [under Ntseki].

“They were also playing more like counterattacking football, but now [under Johnson], I don’t think they are a counterattacking team. They are a team that looks to play through the phases. They are a team that can go pretty direct and that goes in behind because of their pace.”

Tinkler knows his charges will have to deal with the Chiefs’ threat if they are to collect maximum points.

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