Chiefs’ Inacio Miguel explains second-half slump against AmaZulu
Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel has shed light on the factors that contributed to the team’s dip in performance during the second half of their 3-1 victory against AmaZulu FC.
Chiefs’ next opponent is Mamelodi Sundowns in what will be the first time he plays in front of the home crowd.
The much-anticipated Betway Premiership match is pencilled in for Saturday at 3PM at the iconic FNB Stadium in Soweto.
Despite a dominant first half against AmaZulu, Chiefs’ performance dipped in the second, allowing Usuthu to create several scoring opportunities. Miguel acknowledged the importance of maintaining consistent performance levels throughout the match.
“I think it’s natural. Unfortunately, football players – when winning 3-0 or 4-0 – start to drop, and in the second-half, we dropped the rhythm a little bit because we worked off the ball with the [scoreline],” said Miguel.
He stressed the need for constant focus, regardless of the opponent. “The message I try to convey to the boys is that we can’t afford to relax, whether we’re playing AmaZulu or Mamelodi Sundowns. We need to maintain our focus for the full 90 minutes, and we have to push hard without relaxing.”
The former Petro de Luanda defender highlighted the risks of complacency. “Because once you relax, it gives them one goal, and maybe the second goal, and then you are 3-2 and it will be complicated towards the end of the game, like [Wednesday’s game].”
He credited AmaZulu for their strong second-half performance but reiterated the importance of maintaining focus for the entire match. “But you also have to give credit to AmaZulu for their second half; they were pushing and pressing us, and they played a fantastic second half,” added the 28-year-old defender.
MIGUEL INACIO SAYS A FOREIGN PLAYER MUST ADD VALUE
He believes that a foreign player must possess a unique skill set, something that sets them apart from local talent, to truly make their mark at the club.
The Angolan international, who recently netted his first goal in South Africa during Chiefs’ 3-1 victory over AmaZulu, has swiftly become a fan favourite. For Miguel, such performances are the standard expected of a foreign player.
“It’s always normal for a foreign player; you have to do more than the others because I have to adapt to this country and prove why I was the chosen one,” Miguel explained.
He emphasised the significance of maintaining focus and a strong work ethic. “The most important thing is to remain focussed and work hard; that’s what I talk to the guys [about]; there’s nothing more important than consistent and daily hard work; that’s what will make a difference.”
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