Chiefs need to solve the Judas problem
Maritzburg’s Moseamedi has a pesky habit of scoring against them
“WE are focusing on ourselves.” That was the sober response of Leonardo Castro when asked whether the Kaizer Chiefs’ striking brigade plans to outscore Maritzburg United striker Judas Moseamedi who’s been Amakhosi’s chief tormentor this season.
Maritzburg have been Chiefs’ bogey team this term, winning one match and drawing the other in their two domestic meetings. However, the Team of Choice’s knight in shining armour that has broken the Amakhosi faithful’s heart is Moseamedi.
The 26-year-old striker notched a brace as Maritzburg surprisingly denied Chiefs a spot in the final of the Telkom Knockout via a 2-1 semi-final defeat at Mbombela Stadium – ensuring Amakhosi’s four-year barren run continued.
Moseamedi once more left a bitter taste in the Chiefs supporters’ mouths just before the festive season, equalising as Amakhosi and the Team of Choice played to a one-all draw in the last game of the year.
While the Tzaneen-born striker almost seems to double the act whenever he crosses paths with Chiefs, the
Amakhosi striking duo Castro and Samir Nurkovic are yet to score against Maritzburg, despite sharing 17 league goals between them this season.
With Chiefs scheduled to host Maritzburg at the FNB Stadium tonight (6pm kick-off), Moseamedi will be hoping to pick up where he left off in December. But Castro and company are determined to be as good as their last game.
“No (we haven’t been talking about Judas). We are focused on what we need to do. We all know what and who we are playing against. So, this is our strength; we get to focus on ourselves,” explained Castro, speaking in Naturena this week.
While three points today will push the Team of Choice further up the Premiership log standings, the biggest beneficiaries will be the chasing pack who are hoping to close the gap between them and log leaders Chiefs.
Following an impressive rich vein of form, Chiefs’ have bagged 45 points in 19 matches outings. And the Naturena faithful have coach Ernst Middendorp to thank for the improved showing. The German coach has insisted on a sound defensive approach and attacks built on basics.
“In our games, we try to create and get the chances as strikers to finalise things in the final third. So, we are not worried because we are creating. We are not performing in all the games because we are human beings and sometimes we’ve got good nights and sometimes we don’t,” Castro said.
“But we are trying hard to get the chances and convert, that’s the thing that will make a difference. We need to be focused and be mentally strong in our defence because the moment we lose the ball, Maritzburg can punish us. We need to be aware of that and be strong on the field.”
Having resurrected his career at the club after being transfer-listed in June, Castro, who scored seven league goals in 12 matches, believes that mental maturity was a deciding factor that inspired him to get back into the team.
“I know that when I get a chance to play, I should make sure that I score and help myself and the team get the results. I am strong mentally, and I always make sure that I work and train hard so that I can contribute to the team,” he said.