What Chiefs need to do now

IT’S okay for Kaizer Chiefs to feel the pain that came with the disappointment of losing the Champions League final but it’s important for them to acknowledge that not all is lost.

In fact, their incredible run in the competition should be something that they can build on heading into the new domestic season as that will be their only focus - after finishing eighth in Premiership.

But just because Chiefs reached the final of the Champions League doesn’t mean they are a well-oiled machine.

In fact, far from it. And that’s why the three goals they conceded against Al Ahly should be a wakeup call after being lauded for having a “solid defence” in Africa.

For some time now, ill-discipline has played a key role in Chiefs’ demise. And out in Casablanca, that was a branch of the tree.

Happy Mashiane’s tackle on Akram Tawfik at the stroke of halftime was reckless and needless and it cost Chiefs dearly in the end.

But in hindsight, that has been Amakhosi’s story all season long.

The clumsiness of their defence nearly put the team’s top-eight aspirations in the league into serious jeopardy towards the end of the season as they were saved by goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma.

Going forward, Chiefs also need to train and play their players according to their strengths.

Reeve Frosler is versatile, but was he worth starting at left-back, given that he failed to deliver a single constructive cross into the box where Chiefs’ strikers usually benefit?

It was a game plan that didn't work for Chiefs on Saturday. And as a result, Al Ahly’s wing-backs seized the opportunity with their long diagonal balls into Amakhosi’s final third which resulted in the goals from Mohamed Sherif, Mohamed Afsha and Amr El Solia in the second half.

Phathutshedzo Nange, Sibusiso Mabiliso, Brandon Petersen, Kgaogelo Sekgota, Sifiso Hlanti and Njabulo Ngcobo were the first players to be signed by Chiefs since their transfer ban came to an end.

But coach Stuart Baxter is not convinced they will bring immediate solutions.