Celtic duo to target Chiefs
Chiefs had a battle against Stars, now Bloem side puts trust in its attackers
THE weakness shown by the Kaizer Chiefs defence in the first half of their hard-fought 2-0 victory against Platinum Stars at the weekend could be exploited when they face Bloemfontein Celtic’s deadly attack duo of captain Joel Mogorosi and Frank Mhango.
Celtic will arrive at the FNB Stadium tonight desperate for their first win of this Absa Premiership season, and although Mogorosi admits Amakhosi will be difficult to beat given their breathtaking start to the campaign, Celtic have speed up front as an advantage, the forward said.
Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter threatened to make an early change in the club’s MTN8 first-leg semifinal in Rustenburg at the weekend when he sent Morgan Gould to warm up while the central defence pairing of Mulomowandau Mathoho and Tefu Mashamaite rode a storm.
“I can’t deny that between Mhango and me there’s a lot of pace further forward. Last week we also welcomed back Musa Nyatama [on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns], a key member of our team last season. I can’t help but think that somehow we [will] improve and see results come our way,” Mogorosi said.
“I am happiest when we work as a team, and I’ve said this to Mhango. Yes, strikers are judged on their numbers in front of goal, but for me what is important has always been the [positive] outcome for the team. Our combination is working, and we also have young Trevor Lamola waiting to step up.”
The Botswana international was appointed Celtic skipper early this month, but has not been able to lead Phunya Sele Sele to victory. His opener against Orlando Pirates was cancelled out by Oupa Manyisa, who scored twice to help the Buccaneers to a 2-2 draw in the Free State last week.
Mogorosi also scored for Celtic in a 1-1 stalemate in their first game of the Premiership against Black Aces more than two weeks ago. Can they turn it around away to the Glamour Boys, a side that has been rampant in all four league and cup games they have played so far?
“We know we haven’t been good on the road against Chiefs despite having the best chances, in my opinion, when we last played them at FNB Stadium. I think we take courage from the fact that there are no dropped heads. For a long time people have said we are a selling club, but this season we’ve shown continuity and not just adding the numbers in the league.
“Chiefs are used to winning, which makes our trip even more difficult. But we just need to make fewer mistakes, defend well and be sharp upfront,” Mogorosi said.
Amakhosi are still without Bernard Parker and Siphiwe Tshabalala, who are nursing injuries, while new recruit Ovidy Karuru is still waiting for a work permit.
The Knowledge Musona deal seems to have stalled, but Chiefs are still in talks with his parent club Hoffenheim in Germany for another loan deal.