In the aftermath of Kaizer Chiefs' 1-0 defeat to Lamontville Golden Arrows on Sunday, assistant coach Khalil Ben Youseff was tasked with conducting the post-match interview, as head coach Nasreddine Nabi had been shown a red card during the game.
While the team's performance was disappointing, one of the key talking points was the form of striker Ranga Chivaviro, who missed several gilt-edged chances in the match.
Ben Youseff addressed concerns surrounding the 32-year-old striker, who has been struggling with a scoring slump.
Despite making a strong start to the season with four goals, Chivaviro's form has since dropped, and his inability to convert crucial chances in recent matches has drawn attention. The coach, however, was quick to defend the player and highlighted the work being done behind the scenes to get him back on track.
"We are working on the inside with Ranga," said Ben Youseff.
"We've been holding individual finishing sessions for him, trying to address the issues and help him get out of this slump. As a striker, your life is to score, and we know that he is capable of doing it. He started the league very well, but after that, he has had a little dip in form. It's all part of the game, and we're focusing on fixing it."
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The missed opportunities in the game against Golden Arrows were particularly frustrating, but Ben Youseff suggested that luck was also a factor in Chivaviro's struggles.
"He had a big opportunity to score, but he was unlucky. He chose to strike the ball with his left foot, and maybe if he had taken it with his right foot, it would have been easier for him. It's a decision that every striker makes in the moment. We work with him to improve these situations."
While much of the attention following the loss would naturally turn towards the upcoming Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates, Ben Youseff made it clear that Chiefs' focus is firmly on their immediate challenges, starting with their next match against Sekhukhune United.
"We have to focus on the Sekhukhune game first. After that, there's a cup game against Free Agents FC, and then we can start thinking about the derby. But for now, we are managing it game by game. We don't look too far ahead, especially when it comes to the derby. All teams are similar in many ways, and the most important thing for us right now is managing our own game."
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