New signings paying off for embattled Chiefs
The sometimes maligned Hendrick Ekstein says the introduction of so many quality signings at Kaizer Chiefs has created an environment of healthy competition for places.
Amakhosi coach Giovanni Solinas’s nervy start at the Soweto giants received its biggest stabilising boost yet in the past week.
Chiefs 4-1 away hammering of Cape Town City was followed by a 2-0 win with a nearB team against Free State Stars at Goble Park on Tuesday night.
It took some guts for Solinas‚ who needs points and wins to earn the confidence of the team’s supporters at the start of his tenure‚ to then rest players‚ even against an off-form Stars.
Ekstein put in a good 13minute shift as a substitute against City‚ providing the long pass for Philani Zulu’s fourth goal.
He started in the mixedstrength team that at times passed the ball around imperiously, beating Stars.
“As a team we are happy‚ and we are happy that we are winning‚” the midfielder said.
“Kaizer Chiefs is a big team‚ and people know Chiefs by winning games.
“I’m happy at how I played. And I’m happy that everybody is getting a chance.
“We‚ as a team‚ want to win and we want to dominate whenever we are playing.”
Chiefs’ string of quality signings in the past six months – including two former PSL players of the season in Lebogang Manyama and Khama Billiat – appear to be paying off.
They have not just lifted the quality of the squad at Naturena‚ but also created competition for places that Ekstein says has motivated Amakhosi.
“It does inspire us‚ because as a team we are doing well‚ and we all want to play‚” he said.
“The only thing that you need is to showcase your talent.” —