Chiefs fail to find their cutting edge

Kaizer Chiefs returned to DStv Premiership action yesterday with all-too familiar problems, a lack of cutting edge seeing them held to a goalless draw by Royal AM at the Harry Gwala Stadium.

Chiefs have netted just 16 times in 17 league matches so far this season, and if they had practiced their finishing during the break for the Africa Cup of Nations, it didn’t show here, as Ashley Du Preez was denied twice when clean through on goal by Royal AM ‘keeper Hugo Nyame.

There was no place in the Chiefs squad for Mozambican defender Edmilson Dove, meaning Njabulo Ngcobo and Given Msimango partnered in central defence. Du Preez, meanwhile, was preferred to Jasond Gonzalez in attack.

It was the home side, however, who controlled much of the play in the first-half, with Menzi Masuku and Kabelo Mahlasela cutting through the Chiefs defence with some slick movement, but not enough end product.

One Masuku free kick was deflected over the bar, while a shot from Thabo Matlaba then seemed to deceive Bruce Bvuma in the air, but luckily for the Chiefs ‘keeper it hit him and went away from goal.

Chiefs were reduced mostly to counter-attacks in the opening 45 minutes but should have taken the lead as a hopeful punt forward sent Du Preez racing through on goal. The Chiefs attacker lifted the ball over Nyame, but his effort drifted wide.

Royal AM came close to taking the lead in the 39th minute, as Khulekani Shezi leapt to meet a corner, but put his header wide.

On the stroke of half-time, Chiefs finally tested Nyame, the Cameroonian ‘keeper making a double save from Nkosingiphile Ngcobo’s free kick and also denying Sifiso Hlanti.

Chiefs had another great chance to go in front in the 49th minute when Du Preez ran at the home defence and was eventually tackled, but the ball fell for Christian Saile, who blazed over.

Du Preez again found himself one-on-one with Nyame in the 61st minute, but after a great first touch to bring the ball down, he couldn’t beat the Royal AM goalkeeper.

In the 74th minute, Saile cut in from the right, but he drilled his shot well wide.

Chiefs bought on Keagan Dolly and Mduduzi Shabalala in search of a winner, but to no avail.