Things will get better for Chiefs, says coach
HAVING lost four matches in a row, Kaizer Chiefs’ aim for this season will now be damage control rather than securing a second-place finish in the Premiership.
Chiefs will be looking to return to winning ways when they face 11th placed Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium today.
After sacking Stuart Baxter two weeks ago, Amakhosi have not shown much improvement and have lost three times. Interim coach Arthur Zwane has been tipped as a potential candidate to succeed Baxter on a full-time basis, but his audition has not gone well so far.
However, it must be said that Zwane has not been backed yet and that he inherits a squad in need of a rebuild. Chiefs are currently without a trophy for a seventh season and returning the club to their former glory is not going to be an instant process, but could rather take a few years.
Zwane has conceded that his team are simply not effective enough at the moment. They need to start getting the basics right again before they can focus on trying to challenge for silverware.
“It’s a matter of consistency,” said Zwane.
“We are playing in patches, drips and drabs, and have a poor first touch at times. If we can see the right moment at the right time, we can hurt the opposition.
“It will get better. I don’t lose hope.
“We have to move on and at the end of the day, I’m not that worried. Our chances of getting second spot are slim, but it won’t be over until the fat lady sings.”
Zwane has also conceded that his team will have to make some serious adjustments to their squad at the end of the season.
“We have players who have been part of the team for the past six to seven years and things haven’t been going our way. That alone tells you that there must be change,” Zwane said.
“We are in the business of football.
“We need results and when it comes to that, we will try and see who we bring in, in terms of beefing up the squad.”
Chiefs could not have asked for a better opponent than Gallants to potentially return to winning ways against, at this point in time. Dan Malesela’s side have probably avoided relegation this season as they are seven points clear of 15th place TS Galaxy on the Premiership standings.
Gallants will also have one eye on the Nedbank Cup trophy as they defend their title in the final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Royal Bafokeng Stadium later this month.
It is likely that Gallants will prioritise avoiding injuries to their key players over the result in today’s game. Gallants are without a win in their last five league games.