PRESSURE ON BILLIAT

KAIZER CHIEFS are not in Premiership action until they host Maritzburg United on January 9 but the Soweto giants have been under the spotlight during the current break.

Eight games into the campaign, Kaizer Chiefs are 13th with just seven points from one win and four draws under new coach, Gavin Hunt.

They are 11 points off joint leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroka Swallows.

The pressure is more on goalkeeper Itumelang Khune and strikers, Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro, who are deemed key areas of attention ahead of resumption of league action.

In the latest of advices to Hunt, the Times group writes that the coach needs to figure out his first choice goalkeeper.

“That Itumeleng Khune has played five of Chiefs’ eight PSL games in 2020-21‚ and Daniel Akpeyi three‚ and the former was fielded in three of Amakhosi’s last five league and cup games‚ and the latter two‚ suggests Hunt was yet to figure out who his No.1 keeper is by Christmas.”

On the key things Hunt could do for an improved 2021, he is advised to get Billiat and Castro scoring consistently‚ or find another solution up-front

“The former Mamelodi Sundowns pairing of Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro should be a jewel in any team’s attacking crown. They have been infuriating this campaign at Chiefs.

“Both get into good positions and show good touches‚ but strike the woodwork as often as they miss the target.

“Castro’s brace in a 2-2 away league draw against Golden Arrows promised an end to the Colombian’s drought‚ but there has not been a strike since. Billiat finally got off the mark in Chiefs’ fourth-last match of 2020‚ the 2-2 home draw against Black Leopards.

“If the Zimbabwean is to find any semblance of consistency‚ though‚ and improve significantly on last season’s dismal two goals‚ he‚ like Castro‚ will need a lot more effort shown in application.”