Former Kaizer Chiefs captain exposes issues at Naturena

Former Kaizer Chiefs captain exposes issues at Naturena, according to Kick Off.

Chiefs’ struggles reached a boiling point after a shocking 2-0 defeat to Polokwane City at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday. The loss marks their eighth match of the 2024/2025 season, and yet again, the team failed to secure a clean sheet.

Despite head coach Nasreddine Nabi attributing the team’s woes to scoring inefficiencies, former Chiefs and Orlando Pirates star Jimmy Tau sees a much deeper problem. Speaking on SuperSport TV’s ExtraTime, Tau delivered a scathing assessment of Chiefs’ defensive structure and discipline.

Tau critiques Chiefs’ discipline

“I think it [the problem at Chiefs] is more than scoring, it is defending, it is structure. It’s a discipline,” Tau stated. His critique stems from a glaring defensive lapse that led to Polokwane City’s second goal.

The sequence began with Sibongiseni Mthethwa initiating a goal kick, passing to Yusuf Maart. However, Tau highlighted a critical issue: “At no point do you see the centre-backs appearing anywhere. That’s a lack of discipline because you need to keep the structure of the team. The fact that your two centre-backs are involved in the build-up but then, when the break happens, none of them are actually there.”

This breakdown in defensive positioning allowed Mokibelo Ramabu to seal the game for Polokwane City with a late goal in the 88th minute. Earlier in the match, Oswin Appollis had already put Chiefs on the back foot with a first-half strike.

Defensive woes under the spotlight

Tau’s observations raise serious questions about Amakhosi’s defensive strategies under Nabi. “Defensively, I think they are found wanting,” he concluded. The absence of a clean sheet this season only amplifies these concerns, suggesting systemic issues that go beyond mere goal-scoring challenges.

While Nabi’s post-match comments focused on the need to capitalize on scoring opportunities, Tau’s analysis underscores a broader lack of cohesion and discipline, particularly in critical moments.

Redemption on the horizon?

Kaizer Chiefs have a chance to redeem themselves when they face TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Monday. With two consecutive losses and no clean sheets to their name, the pressure is mounting on Nabi and his squad to address their glaring defensive weaknesses.

Will Chiefs find their structure and discipline in time, or will their season continue to unravel? Monday’s clash could provide the answers. As fans and critics alike wait to see if the team can finally rise to the occasion.

Stay tuned with The South African as Former Kaizer Chiefs captain exposes issues at Naturena.

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