Soccer Laduma

Things look more promising

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The result this past weekend is very important for Chiefs. It firstly buys Zwane more time without pressure mounting on him. We saw how the Amakhosi faithful responded when Baxter oversaw a meek 1-0 exit in the Nedbank Cup to TS Galaxy. That was the final nail in the coffin for some supporters as it meant a continuati­on of the trophyless spell. Having lost three of the first five league matches this season, scraping through in the MTN8 quarter-finals is a boost. The game showed that Khune and Hlanti have plenty left to offer and can help solve two problem positions, in the short-term at least. There were minutes for Ashley Du Preez and Matlou after injury, whilst other new signings continued to settle in with regular minutes. “Mangethe” can welcome back his key playmaker against AmaZulu FC on Saturday after suspension in Maart too and he has clearer ideas of his best formation. Of course, there are still issues to sort out. The side’s howlers when playing out from the back are a big concern as is the problem defending setplays. The lack of cover in attack is also a worry until Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyiman­a gets his work permit. Once Du Preez or Khama Billiat run out of steam, there isn’t much quality in reserve. Zwane also is yet to get Billiat firing to his best level and Keagan Dolly was better under Baxter down the right than in his new narrower role as part of the midfield three. This season, Amakhosi lost to last season’s first-placed side Sundowns, last term’s runners-up in Cape Town City and the third place finishers in Royal AM. Facing Usuthu will be no easy task with how their front three of Bonginkosi Ntuli, Gabadinho Mhango and Augustine Kwem are threatenin­g opponents.

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