Zwane: Dog-eat-dog time of the season
KAIZER Chiefs interim coach Arthur Zwane is hoping that his team’s 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants on Tuesday can give them the confidence boost that they need to take their game to the next level.
The result ended a four-match losing streak in the Premiership for Amakhosi, following defeats to Cape Town City (2-1), Golden Arrows (2-1), Stellenbosch FC (1-0) and SuperSport United (1-0).
They also drew 0-0 with TS Galaxy on 5 April, while their last league victory before Tuesday was a 3-1 triumph over Chippa United on 2 April.
Overall, Chiefs’ play in the game against Gallants was far from impressive and laden with flaws.
Had it not been for a second-half moment of brilliance from Keagan Dolly, the game would have ended 0-0, which would have been a fair reflection of the encounter.
“The first goal we scored at FNB Stadium this year was more of an ice-breaker. We needed to boost our confidence as things have not been going our way. The more we play, the more we will get better. There will be those elementary mistakes that are costly sometimes,” said Zwane.
Bruce Bvuma started the game in goal ahead of Daniel Akpeyi, and Zwane was happy with the way his side defended.
There are currently rumours that the 35-year-old Akpeyi could be one of the players released by Chiefs as they get their rebuilding process underway.
If this happens, Bvuma could be the man to get the status of Chiefs first-choice goalkeeper in the near future.
“We kept a clean sheet, which is a good thing. Playing against a team that is possession-based, always waiting for that right moment to play a forward pass,” Zwane said.
“We were very disciplined today. We were very compact from the first half … I must give credit to the boys.
“We knew that at some point maybe we will catch them on one break attack.
“It was not a game that was pleasing on the eye. We did not play the way that we wanted to play, but we had to grind out the result.”
The win means that Chiefs are still alive in the race to finish second in the Premiership this season. Should they finish as runners-up to champions Mamelodi Sundowns, they will qualify for next season’s Caf Champions League.
Zwane is now hoping to see his team win more often.
“Going forward, maybe we can collect maximum points. It’s a dogeat-dog time of the season. Everyone wants to qualify for the top eight, secure a place in Caf competition and avoid relegation as well,” Zwane said.
Chiefs’ remaining fixtures are against Sundowns on Sunday, Sekhukhune United on 14 May and Swallows on 21 May.