Five things that went wrong for Kaizer Chiefs this season
Five things that went wrong for Kaizer Chiefs this season
Kaizer Chiefs’ season has been a nightmare despite signing nine new players.
The new players included three central defenders, an attacking midfielder, a defensive midfielder, two wingers, and two strikers. None of the new signings have made a significant impact, except for Pule Mmodi and Given Msimango. Unfortunately, Luke Fleurs, who was signed from SuperSport United, was tragically killed during a hijacking before playing a single match. With only four games remaining this season, we examine the things Kaizer Chiefs got wrong this season:
1. Molefi Ntseki’s appointment:
The season ended before it even began when the Glamour Boys appointed Ntseki as head coach. Many were sceptical of his appointment, as he lacked credentials. Ntseki lost five of the first 11 matches and was eventually sacked after just four months.
2. Poor signings:
Kaizer Chiefs’ season did not look promising even during the pre-season. Most of the players signed were in their late 30s and did nothing major for their previous clubs to warrant a move to a big team such as Chiefs.
Kaizer Chiefs season turned into a nightmare
3. Cavin Johnson losing the dressing room:
Since Ntseki’s sacking, Johnson took over as interim coach. However, the 65-year-old struggled for results in the second half of the season, which caused tension within the team. He was seen having a heated argument with senior goalkeeper Brandon Petersen. Last month, it was reported that tempers flared in the dressing room after the club lost to Richards Bay.
4. Lack of leadership:
Kaizer Chiefs has had different captains this season. At one point, long-serving keeper Itumeleng Khune wore the armband but was suspended for three months. The captaincy was given to Yusuf Maart before Given Msimango took over last month. The team has looked toothless and often lacked leaders on the field.
Amakhosi failed to replace Ntseki with a top coach
5. Failing to secure Nasreddine Nabi:
After Ntseki’s sacking, Kaizer Chiefs had a chance to save their season by bringing in Nabi. However, the Tunisian coach revealed why he couldn’t join the Soweto giants.
“I wanted [Chiefs] to give me a chance of coming with at least two members of my technical team who will help me,” Nabi said as quoted by Sports Arena. “However, they told me they have individuals with running contracts, and firing them will be expensive.”
Kaizer Chiefs have four games left this season to fight for the top-eight finish.