George Maluleka made his first start of the season, while Mario Booysen and Andriamirado ‘Dax’ Andrianarimanana made their debuts as a new-look Kaizer Chiefs outfit saw off Free State Stars in an Absa Premiership encounter, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.
1) Squad depth
Giovanni Solinas made a whopping seven changes to his side that thumped Cape Town City 4-1 in their last league encounter, with Godfrey Walusimbi, Mario Booysen, Kgotso Moleko, Maluleka, Hendrick Ekstein, Philani Zulu and Gustavo Paez all being handed starting-berths. Only Itumeleng Khune, Siyabonga Ngezana, Willard Katsande and Khma Billiat kept their spots.
Amakhosi have recently been hit with an injury curse, however nobody expected Solinas to make so many changes against his former team. In the pre-match build-up, the Italian mentor revealed that he is giving others a chance to prove their ability.
Two goals scored away from home and a clean sheet? This could equal a welcome selection headache for Solinas once all his players are available for selection.
2) Confidence booster
The several changes made by Amakhosi were coupled with quality performances from players who Solinas said needed to prove their ability. There were positives all over the pitch.
A new look defence was paired with a new-look midfield with Ngezana and debutant Booysen doing a solid job in ensuring that a clean sheet was kept. The midfield duo of Ekstein and Maluleka were unplayable, while the likes of Kgotso Moleko, Katsande and Paez put in much-needed good shifts.
Congratulations to Absa Man of the Match: @GeorgeMaluleka #HailTheChief #Amakhosi4Life #AbsaPrem pic.twitter.com/dFcTh83hYE
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) September 18, 2018
Maluleka’s performance was a breathe of fresh air. In his first start of the season, he certainly succeeded in putting up his hand for a spot in a star-studded midfield. Zulu, too was impressive netting his second goal in as many games.
3) Debuts
New signings Booysen and Dax made their official debuts for Amakhosi. Booysen was handed a starting berth and did an excellent job in his personal dual with Judas Moseamedi, while Madagascan midfielder Dax made a cameo appearance off the bench to give fans a snippet of what he has to offer.
Despite not touching the ball and getting a yellow card for time-wasting during his four-minute spell on the pitch, the Amakhosi faithful are eagar to see him in action after hearing so much about the 2018 COSAFA Cup Player of the Year.
4) Goals Galore
The victory against El La Koto moves Chiefs to third position on the table, but more importantly after the most recent two goals scored – Chiefs are now the highest scoring team in the league.
GOAL!!!!! Zulu scores!! : Free State Stars 0 : 2 Kaizer Chiefs. Zulu’s left footed cracker beats Sangare in the near post. Ekstein with the assist.
#HailTheChief #Amakhosi4Life #AbsaPrem— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) September 18, 2018
If you don’t include the own-goals, then Chiefs have had five different goalscorers this season: Siphiwe Tshabalala, Billiat, Leonardo Castro, Ngezana and Paez.
5) Woeful
While it must be acknowledged that Chiefs were in excellent form, Stars’ poor form of late surely has to be worrying for Luc Eymael.
El La Koto are winless in their last five consecutive games in all competitions, languishing second-from-bottom on the Absa Premiership table with the worst defensive display out of the 16 teams in the league, having conceded 11 goals this season.
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
