With the honeymoon period over for Nasreddine Nabi and Kaizer Chiefs, Soccer Laduma analyses five solutions that can turn their fortunes around ahead of the Carling Knockout quarter-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.
1. Time to switch to back three?
Chiefs under Nabi look to play from the back and at times they look good but they appear vulnerable on turnovers and without the ball, especially in the heart of defence.
The goal Amakhosi conceded against SuperSport United in the league, where a diagonal pass was played into an empty space for Tashreeq Morris showed lack of tactical awareness from Inacio Miguel, who, ironically, the Glamour Boys seemingly struggled without against Magesi.
A third centre-back would give cover for Miguel, who likes to drive forward frequently and also hide his weaknesses, especially on one-on-ones where he commits most of his fouls.
READ: Nabi: I'm Here To Fulfil The Mission
2. Sirino playing too deep?
Even though Sirino has been a live wire for Chiefs in midfield, he appears to be playing too deep.
Given the struggles of the likes of Ranga Chivaviro upfront, Amakhosi could benefit from playing the Uruguayan as a false number nine or as a striker and capitalize on his eye for goal, by making him always play further forward and rove in and around the box.
3. Go back to counter-attack football
Nabi wants to implement a possession type of game at Chiefs. However, Amakhosi appear dangerous when they play on transitions, with their nippy and speedy attackers.
In the win over Marumo Gallants, the Glamour Boys had 42% of ball possession, a win over AmaZulu they also had 42% and had 39% possession in a loss against Mamelodi Sundowns, where they created plenty of chances.
Conversely, Chiefs had 67% ball possession in a loss to SuperSport United and 78% in a 2-2 draw against Magesi, which shows they are more effective playing on counter-attacks.
READ: Miguel Out For Chiefs! Why Tefu Feels It's No 'Train Smash'
4. Bring back Bvuma
New signing, goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari has had his fair chance to show what he is capable of but has conceded in all games bar one in a 4-0 win over SuperSport United.
To raise the level of competition, perhaps Nabi needs to give Bruce Bvuma an opportunity to stake his claim.
5. Chiefs still need an old type number 6?
Nabi prefers a ball playing midfielder playing deep, which means the likes of Samkelo Zwane and Yusuf Maart have been playing just in front of the defence to rotate the ball.
However, out of position, Chiefs are always exposed and perhaps need an old type number six, a proper defensive midfielder, a role that was played brilliantly by Njabulo Blom before he was sold to St. Louis City (he is played as an eight by Nabi).
Sibongiseni Mthethwa has also not been used so far.
