Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has clarified the surprise exclusion of Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala in the Soweto Derby clash against Orlando Pirates.
Amakhosi suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against arch rivals Pirates in the Betway Premiership tie at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Chiefs appeared rattled from the opening whistle, falling behind in just the fourth minute when Tshepang Moremi’s strike took a deflection off Flavio Silva and found the back of the net.
Following the early breakthrough, Pirates asserted total dominance. Their relentless pressure dismantled a Chiefs back four consisting of Thabiso Monyane, Zitha Kwinika, Inacio Miguel, and Aden McCarthy.
The Buccaneers doubled their lead before the break when Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis combined beautifully, with the latter clinical in his finish. Evidence Makgopa emerged from the bench in the second half to provide the clinical edge, hammering the final nail into the Glamour Boys’ coffin. His strike secured a commanding 3-0 victory and all three points for Pirates.
Notable by their absence from the matchday squad were Vilakazi and Shabalala. Both have been staples of the senior side since their promotion from the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC].
The lack of creative spark was undeniable, leaving fans and pundits questioning the decision to bench the duo. Vilakazi has been a constant fixture this season with 19 appearances, while Shabalala, whose three goals in 26 matches have frequently served as a lifeline for the club.
WHY VILAKAZI AND SHABALALA MISSED THE SOWETO DERBY
Despite their integral roles this season, Vilakazi and Shabalala joined goalkeeper Brandon Petersen on the sidelines. Petersen’s absence was particularly concerning, as an undisclosed illness led to his emergency hospitalization just hours before the Soweto Derby.
Coach Kaze has since set the record straight regarding the two attackers, revealing that Vilakazi is currently sidelined by injury. In contrast, Shabalala’s omission was purely a tactical decision, according to the Chiefs’ tactician.
“Mfundo was injured in a game against Stellenbosch FC, and yesterday [Friday] he got assessed. He couldn’t feature in the game, unfortunately. About Shabalala, it was a technical decision.” Kaze said.
Following their Soweto Derby defeat, Chiefs sit fourth in the standings with 30 points. They now trail league leaders Pirates by 11 points, with the Buccaneers firmly in control at the top of the table after amassing 41 points from 18 matches.
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