After Kaizer Chiefs registered their first victory under tutelage of new coach Nasreddine Nabi, Soccer Laduma looks at five key talking points from the clash against Marumo Gallants in the Free State.
The Soweto giants came back from a goal down to record a 2-1 victory, as development products Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi rescued the day for Amakhosi in a packed Free State Stadium. From the victory, Soccer Laduma takes a look at five key talking points, which could play a big role in Chiefs' season.
READ: Nabi Heaps Praise On Vilakazi: I Love Him!
1. Sirino's still got it
It's still early in the season, but the performance of new signing Gaston Sirino would no doubt have given everyone associated with Amakhosi reason to believe that the Uruguayan can deliver at a high level. Playing from the left of Amakhosi's attack, the former Mamelodi Sundowns was a menace for the Gallants defence, playing some dangerous balls into the box. He would often cut into play from the left wing and use his stronger right foot to try to find his teammates. He was certainly one of the team's best performers on the day.
2. Have Chiefs finally found a back four?
For years, Amakhosi have gone into the market to try to find the perfect back four. Previously they've signed the likes of Zitha Kwinika, Njabulo Ngcobo, Given Msimango, Edmilson Dove and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe in the hope that they would find a consistent back four, but it did not quite work out. Yes, of course, it's still early in the season, but the back four of Reeve Frosler, Inacio Miguel, Rushwin Dortley and Bradley Cross showed promising signs, considering they were playing together in a competitive match for the first time.
3. Club products can play a big role
It appears Nabi is going to give the club's development products more opportunities to play in the team this season. Samkelo Zwane and Mduduzi Shabalala were in the starting line-up and they both made a mark. Zwane bounced back after making an error in the pre-season Toyota Cup against Young Africans, showing a lot more confidence on the ball as he played alongside captain Yusuf Maart in the middle of the park. Shabalala got Chiefs back on level terms with a well-taken finish in the first half. Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba made an impact when they came on in the second half.
READ: Kaizer Jr Reveals Chiefs Turnaround Strategy
4. Left back issue sorted?
Amakhosi have struggled over the years to find a consistent performer at left back. From the likes of Godfrey Walusimbi, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya, Philani Zulu, Yagan Sasman, Sibusiso Mabiliso, Sibusiso Khumalo and Sifiso Hlanti, Amakhosi could feel that they have finally found a left back they can rely on for some time. He also gives them the option of playing as a left-sided centre back.
5. Saile not going anywhere?
Reports during pre-season linked Christian Saile with a move away from Naturena to open up a foreign slot, but the left-footed player started in Nabi's three-man attack and this could be an indication that he is someone the coach would want to have in his team this season.
