Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Tshepo Bulu has weighed in on why strikers struggle to score frequently at the club having done it well elsewhere.
Chiefs have not had a reliable striker in recent years with their current options a big disappointment as youngster Wandile Duba was the highest scorer last season with six goals while Ranga Chivaviro, who has since departed, scored three, same as Ashley Du Preez.
January signing Tashreeq Morris is yet to score for the club, adding onto the disappointment, and Bulu says playing as a striker for Chiefs is a tough job that many struggle to cope with.
“To be a Chiefs striker, you need a character that can withstand pressure; the expectations at Chiefs are extremely high,” Bulu told KickOff.
Why do strikers have it rough at Chiefs?
“Football is changing; these days, midfielders and defenders shoot from range to try to score instead of just passing the ball to the strikers.
“Being a Kaizer Chiefs striker is not easy. There are no friendly games at Kaizer Chiefs; every match is scrutinised by the fans. Strikers often find it hard to settle in because there’s no time for that.”
Bulu, who played for Chiefs between 2007 and 2010, gave an example of himself when he first joined the club.
“I remember joining Chiefs; my first training session with the team was on a Thursday. I was recommended by Cyril Nzama, whom I grew up with in Pimville. I did well in set pieces that day,” he added.
Bulu shared his own struggles at Naturena
“The following week, I continued with my trial. Coach Kosta Papic wanted to sign me, but I was told to wait; the club was expecting the new coach, Muhsin Ertugral, to make his own decision regarding my signing. I was informed that Papic's contract would not be extended.
“Bobby Motaung told me, ‘We can’t sign you now since there will be a new coach very soon.’ I ended up training with Chiefs for almost a month.
“They signed me because of my talent, even though the new coach saw me as a winger or a number 10 rather than a target man. I was advised not to stay close to the opposition defenders,” added the former SuperSport striker, who managed two goals in 16 games for Chiefs.
Chiefs are currently in the market for a new striker but it looks like whoever they sign will need to have more than an ability to score goals as a strong mentality will also be required to succeed at the highly demanding club.
