Arthur Zwane believes Yusuf Maart’s miraculous goal in the Soweto Derby victory over Orlando Pirates demonstrates the player’s tactical knowledge.
Maart scored the game’s only goal as Chiefs defeated rivals Pirates 1-0 at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Maart startled everyone when he struck a shot from his own half that beat a retreating Siyabonga Mpontshane, who was way off his line, to give Amakhosi their fourth consecutive victory over Pirates, a first in the history of the Premier Soccer League.
Zwane, who played for both Chiefs and Pirates in the Soweto Derby during his peak, heaped admiration on his star midfielder for giving him his first derby victory as coach on the first try.
“It was a great goal for Yusuf because it was his first derby, and it was also a special goal for me because I wanted to win the derby,” he told the media.
This type of goal demonstrates the player’s tactical knowledge because few players will notice that the goalie is off the line. He took a chance and it paid off, therefore he deserves credit for giving me a strong start in derbies.
Yusuf Maart should just take the goal of the season now. 👌🏾 pic.twitter.com/ZnhpKyNToz
— Mazola J. Molefe (@superjourno) October 29, 2022
Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, making his third start of the season, was a surprising inclusion in Zwane’s starting eleven, as he had a significant impact on the game.
The 49-year-old mentor Zwane disclosed that he and his technical staff intended to capitalize on Miguel Timm’s suspension for Pirates.
“We adequately prepared Mshini for his duty today. “We knew Timm was out, and he has provided the Pirates great balance in the center due to his ability to battle for the ball and play,” Zwane added.
We brought in Mshini because we knew he would be operating behind the midfield, and they lacked midfield muscle.