As reported by FARPost, newly signed Kaizer Chiefs winger Glody Lilepo Makabi has agreed to join the club, with an announcement expected soon.
Lilepo comes to Amakhosi from French Championnat National side, Valenciennes FC.
Chiefs’ head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, is focused on building a strong squad to compete against traditional rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Known for his effective use of wingers, the Tunisian coach is likely to be excited about his latest addition.
Lilepo stands out compared to the team’s current attackers, except for a fully fit Sirino. FARPost examines the potential impact he may have on his new team.
GIVES RELIEF TO CHIEFS’ YOUNG ATTACKERS
Nabi has had to deploy Wandile Duba on the wing instead of his preferred centre-forward position, which has been a challenge for the academy graduate. Adding Lilepo, versatile enough to play on either wing or through the middle, takes some pressure off Duba.
The 27-year-old’s arrival also eases the burden on Mduduzi Shabalala, who has been carrying the team on his young shoulders during Gaston Sirino’s absence. Meanwhile, teenage sensation Mfundo Vilakazi can shift from the wing to a more central playmaker role, where he performs best.
The Soweto giants can explore new attacking options with a fit Sirino, Shabalala and Lilepo. Lilepo’s experience will be invaluable for the younger players.
And given Shabalala’s relentless work ethic, even on tough days, Lilepo has the potential to force opposing fullbacks to sit deep. This, in turn, could create more opportunities for whoever Nabi plays as a centre forward.
IMPROVES CHIEFS’ ATTACK
The Congolese winger can navigate tight spaces, beat defenders, and maintain possession while dribbling. The former AS Vita star can also deliver accurate crosses into the box, creating goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.
He draws defenders in with his pace and inverted attacks. Lilepo possesses better quality in one-on-one attacking situations than the wingers Amakhosi currently have in their ranks. Playing on the wing, Duba hasn’t provided that for Chiefs, and neither have Tebogo Potsane and Pule Mmodi.
The speed that Lilepo brings will also be crucial. Chiefs are already creating numerous chances and entering the box frequently. And the Glamour Boys were doing so without direct wingers with the ability to increase the volume of balls played into the box.
Interestingly, according to Opta Jabu, Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Ali Badra Sangare made five saves in the first half of their Betway Premiership clash. Against Magesi FC, Chiefs had six attempts saved by Elvis Chipezeze. This was the highest saves made in the opening half of a league match.
Lilepo potentially changes the dynamics of the attack. While the Chiefs previously struggled to attack from wide areas, they could become potent because they have a player who excels at eliminating defenders.
LILEPO OFFERS GOOD SETPIECES AND PRESENCE IN THE BOX
The former Al Hilal forward frequently makes powerful and rapid runs into the opposition box. In 16 CAF Champions League outings, he scored eight goals for both AS Vita and Al Hilal.
In France this season, he has contributed six goals in 16 appearances, four of which are goals.
The statistics indicate that he is a winger adept at finding the back of the net from wide positions, with his timing in the box typically precise. Crucially, Chiefs have faced difficulties with set pieces, lacking threat from corners or free kicks around the box. Lilepo, however, excels in set-piece situations.
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