Kaizer Chiefs coach blames Siwelele defeat on Soweto Derby hangover

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze feels his players had not shaken off the effects of the Soweto Derby by the time they were taking on Siwelele FC, a game they lost 2-0 on Wednesday.

Chiefs saw their seven-match unbeaten run come to an end, and very fast, as Siwelele were two goals to the good inside 26 minutes in a first half where the Soweto giants were second best.

While Chiefs improved after the break, they still could not convert their opportunities, leading to the defeat and Kaze believes they would have done much better had they been over the Soweto Derby hangover.

Kaze blames loss on Soweto Derby effects

“Game of two halves. We were not there in first half starting from build-up, offensive play and when not there, you get punished,” Kaze told SuperSport TV.

“Our reaction was too late and we were talking about getting over from the derby and we went into the game late and I believe our biggest area we have to improve consistency in our mindset, behaviours going forward.”

Kaze then admitted some regret over the technical staff’s tactical and selection decisions, hinting that they could have perhaps made more than the three changes to the starting XI.   

What impressed the Kaizer Chiefs coach?

“You have a lot of questions and ask maybe you should have made rotations and [brought on] fresh minds and fresh legs. It is a question for coaches and we need to focus and be ready for the next games,” reflected the Chiefs coach, who was impressed by his team’s approach in the second half.

“We had the right mindset in the second half and missed lots of opportunities to score but I hope we will take this mindset going into our next match against Sundowns.”

Chiefs face table toppers Mamelodi Sundowns in their next match on Wednesday, May 6, when they will be looking to bounce back to winning.