Kaizer Chiefs’ hopes of closing the gap at the top of the Betway Premiership are starting to fade after a disappointing goalless draw against Siwelele FC at FNB Stadium. The result leaves the Glamour Boys still trailing log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by five points, despite having a game in hand after nine matches.
Co-coach Cedric Kaze spoke to the media after the match, expressing concern over the team’s inability to capitalise on scoring opportunities at home. Chiefs have now gone four league matches without a win, and six across all competitions, a worrying trend for a side aspiring to challenge for the title.
Kaizer Chiefs Scoring Woes Continue
Kaze admitted that finding the back of the net remains the team’s biggest challenge. “Every team has challenges, and ours right now is scoring goals,” he said. “But not everything is negative because we are keeping clean sheets and not leaking goals at the back.”
The Chiefs’ struggle in front of goal has been evident this season, reflected in their uninspiring home record: two wins, four draws, and a single defeat in seven matches. Kaze insists that the coaching staff will continue experimenting with different player combinations to find a winning formula, especially as they aim to prevent the teams above them from extending their lead.
Line-Up Changes and Injury Setbacks
Against Siwelele FC, Chiefs made seven changes to their starting line-up, including handing a debut to young talent Etiosa Ighodaro. The match also saw an early setback when substitute Khanyisa Mayo suffered a hamstring injury just 12 minutes after coming on, leaving the team to finish the final 13 minutes with only 10 players.
Kaze highlighted that the fatigue from their recent CAF Confederation Cup away fixture against AS Simba in the Democratic Republic of Congo may have contributed to the team’s lacklustre performance. Despite these challenges, Chiefs remain focused on finding the right mix of players to spark a return to form.
Key Announcements From Kaze
In addition to commenting on the match, Kaze provided two important updates regarding the club’s management and leadership structure. He explained that co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef was absent as he continues with his CAF A License coaching course in Morocco.
Kaze also confirmed that the club has appointed goalkeeper Brandon Peterson as the sole captain for the season, moving away from the previous approach of a rotating captaincy committee. This decision aims to provide clarity and leadership stability on the field.
Looking Ahead for the Glamour Boys
Kaizer Chiefs now face mounting pressure to arrest their slide and reignite their Betway Premiership campaign. With several fixtures ahead, the coaching staff will be closely analysing their attacking options and combinations, hoping to end the goal drought that has hampered their title ambitions.
While defensive solidity remains a positive, the Chiefs’ inability to convert opportunities into goals has left their supporters concerned. For a team with aspirations of challenging for the league crown, finding a way to secure victories at home and reduce the points deficit to Sundowns is becoming increasingly urgent.
If Chiefs can rediscover their scoring touch and maintain a disciplined defensive structure, there is still room to mount a serious challenge for the Betway Premiership title. However, the pressure is on, and the team will need to act fast to turn draws into wins and keep their championship hopes alive.
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