Kaizer Chiefs have kept an impressive five clean sheets this season, a testament to solid defence taking shape, however one position in the backline hangs with a question mark on the horizon.
Amakhosi's 0-0 draw against Royal AM on Sunday was met with disappointment from the club's massive fanbase deprived of seeing their team in action since 30 December 2022.
But it also marked a fifth clean sheet for the Glamour Boys- a feat they achieved for the first time this season. Despite the side's wayward poor attacking line, Chiefs have relatively fared well defensively this season.
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After all, this was an area identified as a priority during Arthur Zwane's underwhelming 22/23 campaign last season.
The introduction of Given Msimango at centre-back has been a revelation for Chiefs. The 26-year-old has managed to pair well with both Njabulo Ngcobo and the currently injured Thatayaone Ditlhokwe when available.
Add the latest signing Luke Fleurs into the list of options and Amakhosi are more than beefed up in the centre-back position.
At right back, Reeve Frosler has made the position his own, making 19 appearances so far this season and Zitha Kwinika has proven steady in the five occasions he has been called upon. Dillan Solomons also makes for an impressive addition to the list of options.
However, there is one position in the backline that remains unaddressed and whose future is marked by a cloud of uncertainty. The left-back position is currently occupied by Sifiso Hlanti.
At 33 years old, the former Wits University man is approaching the twilight years of his career and has been called on far too often for lack of convincing options. Frosler too has been asked to play at left-back on one occasion this season, despite being right-footed.
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Meanwhile, Happy Mashiane, once out touted as Amakhosi's natural successor to Hlanti, has so far been unable to nail down the role. The versatile left-footer is on the wrong side of 25 and has just two appearances under his belt to show for this season.
Sure, Edmilson Dove is an option in the position, but the captain of the Mozambique national team turns 30 in July and has too, failed to impress either supporters or the technical team on the five occasions he has played at left-back.
This all points to a new signing needed in the position for next season.
Among others, Chiefs have been linked with Stellenbosch left-back Qobolwakhe Sibande, a player already recommended to Chiefs by for coach at the club KickOff is reliably informed.
It remains to be seen if Chiefs' hierarchy views Sibande as the right fit or may choose to search elsewhere.
Amakhosi's tight defence will be out to the test once more when they take on Milford on Saturday at FNB Stadium in the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup.
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