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The future Kaizer Chiefs spine is in place but there’s a piece missing
Kaizer Chiefs have several exciting prospects in their side but there’s one gaping hole in the most important section of the pitch.
Kaizer Chiefs have a good spine
In goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, central defensive prodigy Rushwin Dortley, playmaker Mduduzi Shabalala, tricky winger Mfundo Vilakazi and classy ball player Samkelo Zwane, Chiefs have the building blocks for an excellent side. 22-year-old Dortley has acclimatized to the pressure and demands of top-flight football with consummate ease. He’s also a regular starter for Bafana Bafana. 20-year-old Mduduzi Shabalala struggled with inconsistency and a lack of game time during patches of 2023-2024 but this campaign has seen him come into his own in the number 10 role. With three goals and an assist in nine games in the league, he’s one of Chiefs’ most productive players. Like Dortley, he’s been an ever-present. Central midfielder Zwane has the tools to be a top-class operator too, provided he improves his defensive work and positioning off the ball.
Everyone knows Amakhosi need a reliable striker
Where are Chiefs lacking? That’s partially a rhetorical question. Without a reliable number 9 and frequent goal-scorer, the Glamour Boys won’t challenge for the title any time soon. Ranga Chivaviro has shown glimpses of quality in short bursts while Ashley Du Preez is a hard-working attacker but he’ll never be a prolific marksman. Neither of these players is the long-term answer. Chiefs continue to be linked with strikers like Fiston Mayele, but perhaps their solution is closer to home. Goal scorers don’t grow on trees though.
Looking even further into the future and a crystal ball
According to Soccer-Laduma, Chiefs expect big things from 17-year-old Sfiso Timba. The Glamour Boys consider right-back a problem position. Neither Dillan Solomons nor Reeve Frosler have made the position their own this season.
Injury update
Chiefs must still cope without as many as half a dozen first-teamers for their next outing in the Betway Premiership.
“Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi will be without six influential players for their upcoming Betway Premiership clash against TS Galaxy on Monday. The injured players include midfielders Edson Castillo, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Gaston Sirino, defenders Dillan Solomons and Bradley Cross, as well as goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
“The players sustained their injuries in various matches but are expected to return to action soon. Despite these injury setbacks, Amakhosi is focused on preparing for the encounter and is confident in delivering a strong performance.
“Coach Nabi’s charges will seek to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Polokwane City last weekend. TS Galaxy were victorious in their last league match.”
Next four fixtures
- Chiefs vs Chippa: Sun 29 December, 17:45
- Cape Town City vs Chiefs: Sun 05 January, 17:30
- Chiefs vs Stellenbosch: Wed 08 January, 19:30
- Chiefs vs Golden Arrows: Sun 12 Jan, 15:30
What’s missing at Kaizer Chiefs?
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