Can Kaizer Chiefs youngsters unlock the defences of stingy Stellenbosch FC?

Malibongwe Mdletshe

FORMER Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane, although now with AmaZulu, has explained the reason why the Amakhosi’s technical team have found themselves relying more on youngsters to carry the side this season.

Chiefs employed a new technical team for the 2024/25 season, led by Tunisian Nasreddine Nabi.

A couple of signings were made, including seasoned campaigners like Gaston Sirino and Ranga Chivaviro in the forwards’ pack.

However, they have struggled to hit their strides, leaving youngsters like Mduduzi Shabalala, Mfundo Vilakazi and Samkelo Zwane to carry the side.

Zwane knows these players well since he played a huge role in their development at Chiefs.

Even though Zwane is no longer with Chiefs, he understands why these youngsters have found it easy to carry the torch for Nabi’s technical team.

“We should thank Kaizer Chiefs. They are the reason that these youngsters are there coming from the development structures,” said Zwane.

“Some people did not believe in what the team was trying to do for all these years. It is only a matter of time that you see these players blossoming.

“Actually, from the beginning of this campaign, they have carried the team. Why? Because it is always going to be difficult for any player to come into this set-up and excel immediately.

“Why? Because of the pressure. We’ve always been saying (that), and probably now you will finally understand that and why these boys are carrying the team.”

In the same breath, though, Zwane has commended Nabi for the way Chiefs play, and appealed for the Amakhosi faithful to be patient with him.

“We also must commend the coach for giving them confidence and believing in them for continuity’s sake and for the club, because they are a huge investment. The market has always been difficult for Kaizer Chiefs, and I feel sorry for coach Nabi,” said Zwane.

“Because I have been in that situation as a coach, but when you look at Kaizer Chiefs, as much as they are a team in progress, they are going to be a team to beat in the next few months.

“Coach Nabi just needs to be given enough time, the team will gel, and it will do well. It’s only a matter of time.”

Chiefs are without a win in two games since the beginning of February after a 1-0 loss to Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates and a 2-2 draw to AmaZulu in the Premiership.

On Friday night, they have another tough assignment when they go to Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium (7.30pm kick-off).

Although Chiefs are known to be at home wherever they play in the country because of their huge fan-base, it will be a tricky affair facing a Stellenbosch side that have been one of the most consistent teams in the past two seasons.

This month, Chiefs are yet to score a goal, having benefited with two own goals against AmaZulu.

On the other hand, Stellenbosch are the third stingiest team in the Premiership after Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates so far this season.

They have conceded 13 goals, as opposed to Chiefs’ 19.