As Kaizer Chiefs prepare for a return to DStv Premiership action, interim coach Cavin Johnson could be faced with a defensive dilemma…
Chiefs are set to host Cape Town Spurs at FNB Stadium on Wednesday for what will be an 11th league matches for both teams.
Like, Spurs, then Soweto Giants have endured an underwhelming start to the season that has seen them collect just three wins from their opening ten matches, a trend new coach Johnson is expected to curb.
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One of the key areas that will need a re-look is the defensive line. Chiefs have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six matches.
The only positive thing I saw from Kaizer Chiefs against Chippa United is their center back pairing that looks solid at the back! Both Ditlhokwe and Msimango is what Kaizer Chiefs needed! pic.twitter.com/ypXwgrr4io
— Cellular® (@Cellular_jnr) August 6, 2023
The Centre-back pairing
In the heart of the defence, Ntseki started the season with a centre-back pairing of new signings Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Given Msimango. The pairing somewhat worked, keeping four clean sheets from the seven matches they played together.
A goalless draw against Chippa United, a 3-0 win against AmaZulu, a 2-0 win over Stellenbosch and 0-0 draw against Royal AM.
Msimango was dropped in a 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United and Chiefs have not kept a single clean sheet in the three matches that followed.
Further complicating matters, is the signing of Luke Fleurs, the 23-year-old former PSL Young Footballer of the Year has proven his quality, as stand out performer for SuperSport United before the arrival of Tyson Hlatshwayo.
Luke Fleurs signs for Amakhosi!Kaizer Chiefs have fortified their defensive unit with the signing of Under-23 international, Luke Fleurs, on a two-year contract, with an option for a further season.Welcome to the family!https://t.co/ektYRGBARu#Amakhosi4Life #Khosified pic.twitter.com/Nbya0RS0ww
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 26, 2023
Both Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Njabulo Ngcobo have fared individually well, dominating the majority of their duels, however, the leak of goals may point to a lack of cohesion in the back line.
It remains to be seen what combination Johnson chooses to go for in his centre-back pairing.
At Right Back
At right back, Johnson has another decision to make, Reeve Frosler seems to have gotten the nod from Ntseki, featuring 13 times and missing just two of Amakhosi's matches so far.
Frosler has been part of the back line that kept three of Chiefs' four clean sheets this season, and has also been deployed at left-back in the absence of Sifiso Hlanti.
Other options however include Zitha Kwinika who played right-back when Chiefs registered a 3-0 win over AmaZulu and Dillan Solomons.
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The Left-back conundrum
Perhaps the controversial position for Chiefs will be that of the left-back. Amakhosi have struggled to find and stick with a solid left back.
Sifiso Hlanti has played in 10 of Chiefs' games this season, however at 33 years old, the veteran is at the tail end of his career.
Chiefs have tried Edmilson Dove at left-back however the Mozambican has looked more comfortable at centre-back, a position he excelled in last season.
Meanwhile Happy Mashiane is yet to make an appearance for Amakhosi this season. Frosler has been deployed twice at left-back.
DStv Man of the Match: Edmilson Dove ????#Amakhosi4Life #DStvPrem #UnityInAction #SowetoDerby pic.twitter.com/GGpYUvtXxl
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) February 25, 2023
Chiefs' match against Spurs will be played without supporters as club serves a one-match lock-out sentence as punishment for spectator misbehavior.
Kick-off is at 19:30.
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