Kaizer Chiefs are still searching for their first victory of 2024, but there are a few major concerns for interim coach Cavin Johnson as they prepare to face Moroka Swallows in the Premiership this weekend.
Fresh from their Nedbank Cup shock defeat to Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford FC last weekend, Amakhosi have to pick themselves up and motivate themselves, knowing that there is realistically no silverware to play for this term.
READ: Ex-Chiefs Player Lists 3 Players Amakhosi Should Sign
The challenge for Johnson will be to motivate the players to bounce back after arguably their most embarrassing defeat of the campaign last weekend.
Soccer Laduma looks at three major concerns for Johnson going into the game against the Dube Birds, set to be played at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Strikers are off-form
Not only have Chiefs failed to win a match in 2024, but they have not felt the joy of rattling the back of the net. Ranga Chivaviro had an opportunity to break the club's scoring duck last weekend from the penalty spot during extra time against Milford, but his effort was tame and easily saved by the opposition goalkeeper. Ashley Du Preez has been wasting some glorious opportunities and his confidence seems to be low, while the midfielders are not easing the burden. A big question for Johnson this weekend is where will the goals come from?
Bench players not making a difference
When the going gets tough, Amakhosi do not seem to have players who can come in and change the game. When they were struggling against Milford, and against Royal AM the weekend before that, there was no one who was able to came on and take the game by the scruff of the neck.
READ: OPINION: What Chiefs Can Learn From Jordan
Derby coming up
There's a saying in football, though some won't always admit it, that players save themselves for the Soweto Derby. With Amakhosi set to take on rivals Orlando Pirates next weekend, the players' minds might already be there, which could be a hinderance for Johnson, with the attention of his troops divided on the day.
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