Ngcobo among five players who must start for Kaizer Chiefs
KAIZER Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane has received plenty of criticism for his team’s mixed performances this season
And that’s why it is perhaps time he makes bold decisions by dropping players who are not performing, and replace them with these five players, starting with Saturday’s Premiership clash against SuperSport United at FNB Stadium ...
Edmilson Dove (defender)
Dove is one of the most experienced players, having played for Cape Town City, while he is the captain of the Mozambican national team.
The 28-year-old is a versatile defender as well. He can play at left centre-back and left-back – two positions that Zwane needs to fix.
Most of the goals that Chiefs have conceded this season have come from defensive mistakes, including the recent goal against Marumo Gallants.
Dove will not only bring stability with his performances, but he will bring calm and leadership to an ailing defence that has been questionable.
Nkosingiphile Ngcobo (midfielder)
‘Mshini’ was not in the matchday squad against Gallants in the North West following the passing of his father Khanyisani on Friday.
But Ngcobo hasn’t been a starter under his childhood mentor Zwane, coming on as a substitute in most matches that he has played this season.
And that’s been a surprise given the fact that Zwane knows his qualities, having groomed him in the reserve team until he was promoted.
Sure, Siyethemba Sithebe and Yusuf Maart are more experienced than Ngcobo, but he could give a lot to the team, especially offensively.
Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana (striker)
Bimenyimana might have received his work permit only a week ago, but he was at the club during pre-season which means he should know what Zwane wants.
In the two cameo appearances that he has made so far, he hasn’t shown much of what he can bring to the team, making it a bit tough to showcase his qualities.
And that’s why it’s perhaps time for Zwane to start him. After all, Zwane was left frustrated by Ashley Du Preez’s performance against Gallants.
Strikers are judged on goals. And for Bimenyimana to contribute to the team, he has to get more minutes under his belt and gain confidence.
Njabulo Blom (defender)
Blom is one of the most talented and versatile players to come out of Amakhosi’s development ranks. He can play as a defender and holding midfielder.
However, he hasn’t been a regular this season, while he has been involved in contractual disputes with the club.
That situation, though, shouldn’t blindfold Zwane into thinking that he is not good enough to start. No! Blom is young and hungry for game time.
And quite frankly, any coach of the 15 other teams in the Premiership would be lucky to have him as a player, especially given his versatility and work-rate.
Cole Alexander (midfielder)
Alexander’s work-rate is unmatched – so much so that he wears his heart on his sleeve whenever he takes to the field come matchday for Chiefs.
He hasn’t seen a lot of game time this season, with Zwane preferring the combination of Sithebe and Maart in midfield.
But Zwane probably needs a hardnosed player like Alexander, especially given the fact that Chiefs’ defence has shipped goal.
Alexander has experience to back him up as well. He has played for a number of teams in South Africa, while he previously played in the Indian Super League as well.