Arthur Zwane, the coach of the Kaizer Chiefs, might not take this well. After last weekend’s loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, Muhsin Ertugral has published a tactical assessment.
“As a result of numerous requests regarding yesterday’s [Saturday] match between the Kaizer Chiefs Football Club and Mamelodi Sundowns F.C., our Performance Analyst Hasan Goren has compiled a brief summary of the Chiefs and comprehensive data.
“We took a closer look at the Kaizer Chiefs’ perspective on several crucial elements.
“Sundowns have significantly outperformed the PSL. This season, they have modified their tactical strategy differently.
“In defensive transitions, the Chiefs’ tactical approach with two central midfielders in front of the defensive line is ineffective. Both Zwane and Maart are trailing each other rather than searching for pressure locations and guarding the blind side against pocket or shoulder runs by opponents. Mnguni’s (Siyemba Sithebe) inclusion in the Change’s second half was entirely warranted.
“The frequent separation of the two central defenders is my biggest concern.” Dove, a former winger, lacks the reflexes demanded of a Central Defender. The court frequently engages in the unwarranted dragging out of the collective for pressure and leaves voids.
“In the overall match analysis, Sundowns’ box entries are significantly greater than Chiefs’, 14 versus 20.”
18 goals achieved and 21 goals allowed reveals the actual source of the problem.
“Two crucial considerations for Chiefs when in position. The position of the ball in the midfield between Chiefs (34,3%) and Sundowns (65,7%) is somewhat unimportant, but if you get it back, it should be used to attack the opponent in the final third, where Sundowns had a large advantage (97 to 150)!
“As long as the Chiefs are unable to establish a dependable defensive structure, the psychological impact on the players will be negative. It is crucial to find the correct philosophy of the own culture as a foundation for the education of talented young players with their own identity and philosophy.
“These will get fans excited and watching their games, which is the 12 player for the Chiefs.” The golden generation of Chiefs was unable to be passed on to subsequent generations.
“It’s difficult to envision finding players like Doc Khumalo, Thabo Mooki, Jabu Pule, Fani Madida, Ace Khuse, Collins Mbesuma, Siyabonga Nomvethe, Brian Baloyi, and Lucas Radebe, to name a few, at the time. Obviously, the list is very, very long.
“I can see that the current scenario is a far cry from the “Building Process” that has been discussed for over five years. Coaches and players have been coming and departing for years. There is no stability or consistency, and the momentum has utterly ceased. Chiefs must optimize the workforce of specialists to achieve quality development and give the required degree of high performance.
“The current roster is frequently described as a young one. It is an impression. On the age scale for the current PSL season, the club ranks sixth with an average of 26.3 years. There are some young players on the team, but this does not qualify them as a “Young Team.”
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