Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has admitted their ‘dominance’ in possession counted for little after a frustrating fourth successive defeat, describing their control of the ball as ‘sterile’ and lacking penetration.
Chiefs suffered their fourth successive defeat at the hands of Richards Bay FC in a Betway Premiership encounter played at the UMhlathuze Sports Complex.
Thulani Gumede struck the decisive blow in the 69th minute, scoring the only goal of the match as the Natal Rich Boyz inflicted Amakhosi’s first away league loss of the campaign.
The result virtually extinguishes Chiefs’ hopes of mounting a serious league title challenge, leaving them in fifth place. It means they are 11 points adrift of joint log leaders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The setback comes just weeks after they were booted out of the CAF Confederation Cup in the group stage following a 2-1 loss to Zamalek SC in Egypt.
In the aftermath, Kaze called on his players to stick together as they look to steer themselves out of the current slump.
WHAT CEDRIC KAZE SAID AFTER THE RICHARDS BAY LOSS
Speaking in a post-match interview on SuperSport TV, Kaze said that while his team saw plenty of the ball in the opening half, they failed to convert that control into meaningful attacking opportunities.
“Of course, it’s true that we had a possession in the first half, but I would say it was a sterile possession without breaking lines,” Kaze said. “Without threatening the opponent’s box.”
The former Young Africans coach pointed to a tactical imbalance as a key issue. “I think probably we had too many players that are fit ballers and not enough runners behind the defensive line,” he explained.
In an attempt to inject urgency and bite into the attack, changes were made at the break. Kaze highlighted the introductions of Glody Lilepo, Mduduzi Shabalala and Luke Baartman as part of the tactical adjustment. “We tried to correct that in the second half with the introduction of Lilepo and someone like Shabalala and Baartman as well,” he said.
However, the changes did not produce the desired turnaround. The Soweto giants conceded, compounding what Kaze described as a difficult period. “But unfortunately, we concede a goal,” he added.
Despite the setback, Kaze insists that the current struggles are temporary, and he calls for unity within the squad.
“I believe that it’s going to pass. The moment is going to pass. It’s a very bad moment. But we need to stay together. We need to stay together and work very hard.”
The result adds pressure as the team looks to regain momentum, with their next fixture against Durban City FC at home. They welcome the KZN side to the FNB Stadium on Sunday, 15 March.
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