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Five Things Learned: Chiefs vs SuperSport

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Kaizer Chiefs vs SuperSport United

TFG SoccerClub senior writer MARSHALL GOUTS selects five things learned from Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-0 win against SuperSport United on Wednesday night.

1) Confidence boosters:

Ernst Middendorp made a few eye-catching changes to the Kaizer Chiefs lineup in his first official game in his second spell at the club.

With Itumeleng Khune out injured, Namibia international Virgil Vries made his first-ever league appearance for the Amakhosi and kept a clean sheet in his third appearance across all competitions.

Kgotso Moleko made only his third appearance in the league campaign as he deputised for the injured Ramhlwe Mphahlele. Daniel Cardoso, who last started in the 0-0 draw against Highlands Park, was partnered with Mario Booysen in the heart of the defence.

The biggest surprise in the starting lineup was the inclusion of Philani Zulu in place of regular defensive midfielder Willard Katsande.

All the above-mentioned players put in solid shifts (better than we saw under Giovanni Solinas) which will stand them in good stead during Middendorp’s time at the club.

2) No youth, no future:

SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo rang in the changes from his side that lost 2-1 to Sundowns in the Tshwane derby.

The biggest substitutions came in midfield with veteran midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane being dropped to the bench in place of academy graduate Sipho Mbule.

Tembo’s midfield trio of Teboho Mokoena, Mbule and Phumlani Ntshangase dominated the midfield battle in parts, but struggled to link up with those further forward than themselves.

The midfield trio should definitely be developed, largely due to their energy, pace and tenacity.

3) Captain fantastic:

Maluleka not only had an excellent game overall leading the side as captain, but he also managed to get on to the scoresheet, netting his first goal in more than a year.

That goal turned out to be the match-winner and Maluleka was awarded the man-of-the-match accolade.

The goal and result will do wonders for both the player and the team, who are desperately looking to cement their spot as one of the best teams in the country.

4) Wastefulness:

Chiefs completely dominated goal-scoring opportunities, and although they secured the result, there will be lots of questions which will be asked of the front trio, who proved quite wasteful with their efforts.

The likes of Khama Billiat, Lebogang Manyama and Leonardo Castro had countless opportunities between them to put the game to bed, however, they needed a special strike from midfielder Maluleka.

Following a refreshingly attacking encounter from Amakhosi’s side, Chiefs fans will be licking their lips in anticipation. Assistant coach Shaunt Bartlett will have his work cut out for him if he is to garner the best from the star-studded Chiefs attack.

5) Tembo’s woes:

Following their 1-0 loss to Chiefs, SuperSport’s form guide makes for dismal reading, having only managed to register one victory in their last five league games while drawing two and losing two.

Matsatsantsa languish in seventh position on the table – eight points behind table-toppers Orlando Pirates. If Tembo is to see out the remainder of his contract at the club, he will need to start picking up points, starting with SuperSport’s final two games of the year against Maritzburg United and Highlands Park respectively.

Photo: Gallo Images