Kaizer Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane seems to have found a better solution of playing without their top goalscorer Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana.
The Burundian, who had injury concerns since Chiefs' 2-1 loss to Chippa United, has officially been ruled out of the Carling Black Label Cup tournament with a groin strain. Zwane has had to come up with a different attacking strategy in the forward's absence and he showed his hand on how to get the best out of his team in a 2-2 draw against TS Galaxy.
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With Bimenyimana ruled out of that league game, Chiefs played with a quick and direct front three of Ashley Du Preez, Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly, with Kgaogelo Sekgota starting from the bench. Du Preez, in particular, seem to be enjoying playing in the spaces behind the opposition defence without the big Burundian striker, as he ended his goal drought with the opener against the Rockets, after his trademark run.
Zwane used the same strategy against Pirates in the Soweto Derby, with the only difference being Nkosingiphile Ngcobo taking the place of George Matlou and Sekgota starting from the bench again. Given the pace of Du Preez on transitions, he had acres of space without Bimenyimana, as he found himself with two glorious one-on-one chances against the Buccaneers goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane but was denied on both occasions.
After the game, '10111' admitted that his side could have scored more goals had Du Preez being clinical in front of goal, but will take the win, considering the form Pirates were on prior to the derby.
"We were unlucky not to score more than one but we'll take this one for the fact that we're playing away," Zwane told reporters in a press conference.
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"Against a team that is oozing confidence, against a team that's going to play in the (MTN8) final and deservedly so.
"I think grabbing three points will boost our boys' confidence going forward," he added.
One headache for Zwane ahead of the Carling Black Label Cup in this regard is that Sekgota has been voted by fans in the line-up while Du Preez has not yet made the starting XI in the latest team.
However, one thing for sure, is that after Du Preez's performance against Pirates, Zwane may have found the right formula for the team not to miss the presence of Bimenyimana.
