Johnson addresses fatigue concerns after Chiefs’ loss to Stellenbosch FC
Kaizer Chiefs interim coach Cavin Johnson has addressed the fatigue concerns after Amakhosi succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch FC in the DStv Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.
This comes after the Soweto giants looked flat throughout the game in their attacking play against the Cape club yesterday.
Before the Stellies game, Johnson spoke about his side’s unique approach to combating the tight schedule challenge: back-to-back games with 48 hours of rest in between. According to Johnson, this led to the team training at 2:00 am after they returned from Cape Town following their goalless draw against the Citizens this past Saturday.
Amakhosi have played 26 matches this campaign without having the added workload of continental competitions with plenty of travelling. However, However, concerns have been raised about the Chiefs’ ability to maintain the DStv Premiership schedule.
Some players, including Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Itumeleng Khune, appear to be carrying extra weight, prompting questions about their fitness levels.
CAVIN JOHNSON ON KAIZER CHIEFS’ FATIGUE CONCERNS
Johnson has disagreed that his team looks fatigued, citing that his players looked fit when they played against Cape Town City FC over the weekend.
“I don’t think you’re watching all the games. So, I personally think you didn’t watch the game on Saturday against Cape Town City,” said Johnson when asked about the team’s fitness levels.
“I thought my players didn’t come out with blocks because, on Saturday, you could see six or seven Cape Town City players cramping. But if you look at my players they were okay.
“With the eye, you think they came out slower? That’s your opinion, but I don’t think they did bad.”
Chiefs are now sitting seventh on the log with 30 points after 22 matches, a whipping 19 points gap from log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
The side will now shift their focus on their next league game against Chippa United on Saturday, 6 April 2024.
The showdown will occur at Buffalo City Municipality Stadium, with the kick-off set for 15:00.
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