Kaizer Chiefs impress ex-coach despite MTN8 exit – ‘They showed a lot of promise’

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Kaizer Chiefs impress ex-coach despite MTN8 exit – ‘They showed a lot of promise’
Kaizer Chiefs' Lebohang Maboe in action against Golden Arrows in the MTN8. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs might have lost their MTN8 quarter-final to Golden Arrows but their former coach Farouk Khan sees a lot of positives in their game.

Chiefs wasted a number of chances in the match on Sunday before falling to a Khulekani Shezi’s 53rd minute strike, aided by a mistake from goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.

Junior Dion of Golden Arrows vies for the ball with Reeve Frosler of Kaizer Chiefs.
Junior Dion of Golden Arrows vies for the ball with Reeve Frosler of Kaizer Chiefs. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Fernando da Cruz’s side should have won the game had they buried their chances but paid the price for their inefficiency in front of goal. However, Khan thinks the Soweto giants are on the right trajectory despite the negative result.  

What impressed Khan about Chiefs?

“They showed a lot of promise. Chiefs looked like the Chiefs that want to play. They did not go route one, they kept the ball well and created some excellent chances,” Khan said on SoccerBeat.

Lebohang Maboe playing for Kaizer Chiefs against Golden Arrows in te MTN8.
Lebohang Maboe playing for Kaizer Chiefs against Golden Arrows in te MTN8. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

“For me, [Nkosingiphile] Ngcobo should have at least buried one of those, Duba as well. They were really careless. There was an opportunity when [Wandile] Duba went down the line and all he needed to do was just cut the ball back, tap in and Chiefs would be a goal to the good,” he added.

Khan then went into details over how Arrows frustrated Chiefs, who found themselves attempting from distance, especially in the second half.

Sekhukhune test up next for Amakhosi

“When you play against a team like Golden Arrows under a new coach and they are really looking good in possession. They kept the ball away from Kaizer Chiefs which is not what they like, Kaizer Chiefs like to play on transition and use the speed,” he added.

“I think the way Golden Arrows played is similar to how Sundowns play; keep the ball or starve them off of possession.”

Luke Baartman of Kaizer Chiefs in action against Golden Arrows.
Luke Baartman of Kaizer Chiefs in action against Golden Arrows. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Chiefs have a chance to bounce back to winning ways when they host Sekhukhune United in a Premier Soccer League clash at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday.

It will be the first meeting against ex-coach Cedric Kaze, who has started his Sekhukhune reign with back-to-back victories.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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