Why Chiefs’ keeper still has to fetch the ball from the back of his net

KAIZER Chiefs’ 2-2 draw away to SuperSport United in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final highlighted a more than potent attack, but also a defence that leaks like a rusty bucket.

In explaining why Amakhosi can’t buy a clean sheet, their Italian coach Giovanni Solinas said that he has asked his team to be attack-minded and that leaves gaping holes at the back. Fans can argue in vain how Chiefs can improve their rearguard, but here are THREE reasons why that’s not likely to change. THE PRESSING GAME COMES AT A COST

Concepts like ‘build from the back’, ‘play it from the goalkeeper to the rightback’ are frequently used these days, and Solinas says Chiefs have to adapt.

The coach has argued that the way he prefers playing means having a high defensive line with centrebacks Daniel Cardoso and Siyabonga Ngezana pushing up. But they don’t recover as quickly to close the space they leave behind when possession is turned over, Solinas (pictured) explained.

Because the coach was short-changed in terms of enjoying his full pre-season as a result of his late appointment, there has hardly been enough time to fine-tune this method. Chiefs defenders now have the additional challenge of unlearning three years’ worth of work with Steve Komphela to be familiar with the way Solinas wants to play – all while being under pressure to win games and end the trophy drought.

SOLINAS IS HELL-BENT

ON SCORING MORE

The Italian told the press after the stalemate at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday that he only knows one manner to win trophies and that’s to “score a lot of goals, more than the opponent” – adding that Chiefs have the personnel to execute exactly this.

With Lebogang Manyama also arriving at Naturena, this means the coach will want to have all his best attackers on the pitch when they are fit.

The more attack-minded players in his starting 11, the more likely Chiefs will be vulnerable at the back and with few players able to assist when under pressure.

Willard Katsande has already been overwhelmed doing the clean-up duty by himself in midfield while Siphelele Ntshangase sprays passes to Leonardo Castro and Khama Billiat.

Ntshangase has been asked to help in defence, but that’s never been part of his game model and there will be teething problems as he tries to work on this aspect.

NO ROOM

FOR MATHOHO

The absence of Erick Mathoho means Amakhosi have no leader at the back.

He is the most experienced member of the back four, but his poor form left Solinas no choice but to omit him in favour of young Ngezana in central defence.

It doesn’t help that Cardoso, who was superb in a back three last season, seems confused by the new approach and was largely responsible for the goals conceded against SuperSport.

Ngezana has been praised by Solinas and his predecessor Steve Komphela, but he is wet behind the ears. Chiefs have two 21-year-olds in Ngezana and Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya at centreback and leftback, respectively.

As Solinas pointed out, they still need a lot of guidance. With nobody to immediately cover for them, Amakhosi will carry on leaking.