Kaizer Chiefs needs to shore up their defensive frailties to avoid a repeat of earlier humiliations. File Picture
Smiso Msomi
As the countdown to Saturday's clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium begins, Kaizer Chiefs find themselves in an all-too-familiar position — facing the indomitable Mamelodi Sundowns after a series of painful encounters. Once again, the question looms:
Can Chiefs shore up their defensive frailties to avoid a repeat of earlier humiliations?
In recent seasons, Chiefs' meetings with Sundowns have largely ended in disaster, with the most crushing blow being a 4-0 drubbing in the Carling Knockout earlier this season. But that loss was far from isolated. Last season, the champions annihilated Amakhosi 5-1 in a match that left fans reeling. As they prepare for yet another encounter, Chiefs' defensive vulnerabilities have emerged as a key concern.
With 23 goals conceded in just 18 league games, Chiefs currently hold the second-worst defensive record in the division. This stark reality contrasts sharply with their performances in the Nedbank Cup, where they have managed to keep a clean sheet in both of their matches thus far.
Yet, this inconsistency continues to raise questions about their backline's stability and fortitude.
The recent Carling Knockout exit, where they let in four goals over two games, illustrates a defensive unit that has yet to find its rhythm.
Despite these struggles, Chiefs boast a promising array of talent in their defensive ranks, including centre-backs Inacio Miguel, Rushwin Dortley, Given Msimango, Zitha Kwinika, and Edmilson Dove – each of whom has the potential to bolster the team’s backline.
The full-back positions are similarly well-covered, featuring players like Bradley Cross, Bongani Sam, Happy Mashiane, Reeve Frosler, and Dillan Solomons.
Yet, potential must transform into performance if they are to withstand Sundowns’ relentless attack. Sundowns, for their part, have been a scoring juggernaut, netting 42 goals in their first 18 matches this season.
Their offensive power is not only formidable but continues to grow; they scored 52 goals over the entirety of last season. If Chiefs are not careful, their defensive errors could lead to yet another embarrassing defeat against their rivals.
The Glamour Boys are still reeling from a catastrophic 4-1 loss to SuperSport United in their last outing, raising alarm bells ahead of the Sundowns showdown. However, the unexpected postponement of their match against Royal AM has afforded them additional time to regroup, recalibrate, and formulate a strategy aimed at shoring up their defensive integrity.
As the match approaches, this pivotal encounter could have significant implications for the trajectory of Chiefs' season.
The looming question remains: Can Chiefs learn from their past failures to mount a formidable challenge against Sundowns, or will they once again lay bare their vulnerabilities?
One thing is certain – the stakes could not be higher for Amakhosi, and they must rise to the occasion to avoid another humiliating chapter in this storied rivalry.
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