Why are Soweto derby ‘underdogs’ Chiefs struggling to score enough goals?

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Why are Soweto derby ‘underdogs’ Chiefs struggling to score enough goals?
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In the off-season transfer window, Kaizer Chiefs were determined to have an effective attacking department.

They brought on board Khanyisa Mayo – on loan from CR Belouizdad, as well as Etiosa Igodaro and Flavio da Silva. To date, the trio has struggled to deliver for the Glamour Boys across all competition.

Even when all three are fit, it is hard to tell who is the first choice and who is last in the pecking order. The rotation in the attacking department has been the order of the day under interim co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef who took over from Nasreddine Nabi.

Kaizer Chiefs coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.
Kaizer Chiefs coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.

On several occasions, the Soweto giants have struggled to score more than one goal, regardless of the opponent they are facing. Chances are created, but the chemistry in the final third is lacking.

What could be the problem?

Former Amakhosi striker Collins Mbesuma, who is remembered for scoring 35 goals in a single season at the club, feels the lack of consistency in the squad might be working against the players.

There’s a lot of chopping and changing, especially in the front players at the moment,” the former Zimbabwe international said during The Ultimate Soweto Derby Round Table on Friday.  

mbesuma
Bildnummer: 09153131 Datum: 25.10.2011 Copyright: imago/Gallo Images Telkom KO: SuperSport United v Golden Arrows PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 25, Collins Mbesuma during the Telkom Knockout match between SuperSport United and Golden Arrows at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on October 25, 2011 in Pretoria, South Africa PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Gallo921394; Fussball RSA xmk x0x 2011 quadrat Image number 09153131 date 25 10 2011 Copyright imago Gallo Images Telkom KO Super Sport United v Golden Arrows Pretoria South Africa October 25 Collins Mbesuma during The Telkom Knockout Match between Super Sport United and Golden Arrows AT Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stage ON October 25 2011 in Pretoria South Africa PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Football RSA xmk x0x 2011 Square

“We don’t have a regular striker that we can point to. It’s like this one plays two games, then this one is out,” he added.

On Saturday, February 28, Chiefs host Orlando Pirates in the Soweto derby where the latter are favourites, “Everyone wants to play in a derby, and any striker wants to score against Pirates,” Mbesuma continued.

“They can surprise people. We have good strikers; they are just going through a difficult time. People think Pirates are going to win the league, but we are there,” he concluded.

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Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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