The
debate is focusing on the two PSL League contenders outcomes of the weekend
games that have attracted more attentions.
(A) Kaizer Chiefs
It
is an observed fact that Chiefs has less than 14 quality players in the squad
with the rest of players just adding numbers. I can proudly call Chiefs a
"one man team".
In
the absence of Itumeleng Khune for the first time this season due to family crisis,
Chiefs lost against Bidvest Wits and yon Saturday, they struggled without Reneilwe
'Yeye' Letsholonyane and Erick “Tower” Mathoho against Platinum Stars. It is
not a rocket scientist to conclude that Chiefs has also missed the service of Jimmy
Jambo at the left back which justified lack of quality depth in the team.
The
unfit Tshepo Masilela is living up to his N1 Free way reputation. He is struggle to make grade in the PSL
despite playing at the highest level in Europe whilst Keegan Ritchie lacks of
pace makes him vulnerable to blistering pace
right wingers. Chiefs should sign a quality left back during January
window transfer to fill a void left by Jambo.
Good
thing about Chiefs defeat is that it will be starting from the new and fresh
slate in the forthcoming games with nothing to lose. The unbeaten pressure is
off their shoulders now. With players fighting and never die attitude, anything
is still possible for Chiefs. Chiefs
can't be weak overnight.
Defeat
is part of the game. However, the real pressure of reclaiming the glory is on.
The defending champion is breathing closer to their neck which is going to put
them under tremendous pressure going forward.
(B) Orlando Pirates
Roger
De Sa (RDS) boys justified that healthy competition in the team always yield
positive results. Orlando Pirates is the current perfect balance team in the
PSL with more than 2 quality players per position. Orlando Pirates is indeed 5 skippas
not a one "man team".
The
Q2 log leader has now gone 4 wins and 6 unbeaten games in a row. In the
previous 4 wins in the row, they scored 10 goals and conceded 1 goal with 12
points in the bag coupled with the overall best defensive record in the PSL.
They’ve only conceding 7 goals in 12 games with 7 clean sheets.
I
attributed the well oiled Pirates' machine to the new innovative tactical system
of 4-3-2-1 implemented by RDS in the past 4 games. It is very difficult to stop
Orlando Pirates offensive moves. When attacking, the system changed to 3-4-2-1
with Thabo Matlaba pushing forward to add offensive depth but the new tactical system
can be under siege against teams with blistering pace wingers who can easily
tear Pirates into pieces. The system always forces Lucky Lekgwathi to drift
apart from Siyabonga Sangweni closing the void left by either Patrick Phungwayo
or Matlaba which makes me vulnerable to any fast player. Over the weekend
Calvin Kadi of Wits exposed the Pirates central defence pair weakness which is
lack of pace but the system has yield result up to this end.
The
new Pirates offensive tactical system allows any player in the field to be
potential goal-scorer and indeed Pirates goals are not limited to strikers only
as Defenders and midfielders are scoring goals. In the recent wins, many
players coming on from the bench always made positive impacts in the game.
RDS
has won the hearts of many Pirates fans with his tactical changes that always
change the complexion of the game but the war is not yet over. Possible
creeping of complacency and inconsistency into players performance can put a
spanner in the effective and positive performance of Pirates.
Premier
Soccer League results
Sunday
SuperSport
United (2-2) Golden Arrows
Bloemfontein
Celtic (0-1) Mamelodi Sundowns
Saturday
University
of Pretoria (1-2) Black Leopards
Platinum
Stars (2-0) Kaizer Chiefs
Orlando
Pirates (2-0) Bidvest Wits
AmaZulu
(0-1) Free State Stars
Moroka
Swallows (1-3) Maritzburg United
Friday
Ajax
Cape Town (3-2) Chippa United
By Owen Mundalamo
Football Food for
Thought
