Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has admitted that his team suffered a Soweto derby hangover after their 2–0 defeat to Siwelele in the Betway Premiership at Toyota Stadium on Wednesday night. Chiefs arrived in Bloemfontein on the back of a hard-fought 1-1 draw with arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Sunday night, extending their unbeaten run to seven games.
However, Chiefs failed to build on that as Siwelele used their freshness, composure and motivation to secure top-flight status to their advantage. The hosts were the better team on the night from start to finish, sealing the three points with early first-half goals from Tebogo Potsane and Siphesihle Jeza.
Top-three Aspirations Dented
Chiefs’ defeat also dented their top-three aspirations. Despite remaining third on the log with 47 points, they now have a slender five-point lead over fourth-placed AmaZulu, with the two teams set to meet in Durban in the penultimate game of the season on May 16. According to the Premier Soccer League website, the top three teams will qualify for the CAF Champions League.
Speaking on SuperSport TV after the match, a visibly disappointed Kaze revealed that they were still affected by their gallant display against Pirates and had underestimated Siwelele. “Our reaction was too late. We spoke about the fact that we needed to get over the derby and concentrate on this game because it was going to be tough,” Kaze said.
Areas for Improvement
Kaze believes that one of the biggest areas that Chiefs need to improve on is the consistency of their mindset and behaviour going forward. “We went into the game too late. I believe that one of the biggest areas that we need to improve on is the consistency of our mindset and behaviour going forward,” he said. A team sports expert would agree that consistency is key to success.
Chiefs will need to improve quickly, as they face Mamelodi Sundowns next at Loftus Versfeld on May 6, with the league leaders eager to strengthen their position at the top. Here are some key fixtures to look out for:
- May 6: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs
- May 16: AmaZulu vs Kaizer Chiefs
