Kaizer Chiefs' PSL top-eight failure, after being held by Polokwane City, ranks high in yet another Amakhosi catastrophe
Image: BackpagePix
In a gripping testament to the struggles faced by South Africa's most storied football club, Kaizer Chiefs' failure to clinch a top-eight spot for the second consecutive year has reverberated through the country's football community.
This catastrophe is not merely an incidental occurrence for Chiefs; it raises critical questions about the team's future direction and competency at management levels.
Their goalless draw with Polokwane City at the FNB Stadium on Saturday was their final game of the season.
The outcome condemned the Amakhosi, with their ninth-place log position, to top-eight obscurity.
Their lesser-fancied opponents, Polokwane, eased into seventh place to earn a top-eight ticket, and they will likely face Orlando Pirates in the first round of the MTN8 next season.
Chiefs showcased their dominance from the first whistle to control the tempo and direction.
However, as often happened this season, they struggled to translate their possession into meaningful opportunities on the back of a 77% advantage.
Dillan Solomons, Chiefs' wing-back, operating down the right channel, proved penetrative on occasions and came close to scoring after attempting a goal-mouth cross.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad Loading
He was sent clear by defensive midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa in the 20th minute, and his parting shot took a wicked deflection and struck the upright.
Polokwane's Kenyan goalkeeper Brian Bwire averted danger by clearing the rebound.
Polokwane, however, seemed content to absorb Chiefs' pressure, adopting a resolute defensive stance that forced the Amakhosi to attempt shots at range.
Their transitions from defence to attack were fluid, and just past the hour mark, they missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring after briefly taking control of the midfield.
Mokibelo Ramabo's kick low across the face of the Chiefs' goal-mouth was missed by the defence, and an unmarked Bonginkosi Dlamini found himself in prime position to score with what would have been a simple tap-in.
Instead, he hashed his attempt under the weight of expectation.
With Polokwane's midfield growing in confidence as the first half wore on, they created sustained pressure without threatening again.
Chiefs shook off this stranglehold with a swift counter-attack that looked promising after defender Edmilson Dove executed a powerful header from outside the box following a set-piece situation.
Dove's header struck the crossbar.
In a move that took many by surprise, Chiefs' Tunisian coach Nabi Nasreddine Nabi opted for a tactical change by substituting striker Tashreeq Morris for Ashley du Preez just five minutes before the halftime break.
This decision, aimed at boosting the team's attacking threat, highlighted Nabi's intent to add significant firepower to the team's attack in the second half.
As the second half wore on, the strategic substitution optimised the team's performance.
The Glamour Boys launched a relentless offensive, testing the resolve of the Polokwane defence.
However, despite unleashing a flurry of shots at goal, Chiefs failed to find the back of the net, narrowly missing several opportunities.
There was no shortage of scoring opportunities for the home side late in the match, and the eventual goalless fare has raised urgent questions about strategic decisions and management competency within the club.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
8 hours ago
- The South African
'Monyane should start for Bafana ahead of van Rooyen and Mudau' ex-Chiefs star
Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Mokete Tsotetsi feels Amakhosi's new signing Thabiso Monyane is ready to feature for Bafana Bafana. The 25-year-old right-back has been in good form since joining Chiefs on a free transfer. Having struggled for game time at Orlando Pirates, the defender was released, together with Paseka Mako. Both players were signed by the Glamour Boys in June. With Deano van Rooyen injured and Khuliso Mudau not playing for Sundowns, Tsotetsi says this could be a perfect opportunity for Monyane to play for Bafana. 'He did not have a good season last season [at Pirates] and he has come to Chiefs looking fit, and I think he has come at the right time,' he said as quoted by Soccer Laduma . 'He is doing well in the first few matches for Chiefs, and you can see that he is gaining confidence. 'With Khuliso Mudau not playing and Thapelo Morena out injured and Van Rooyen only making his first appearance of the season recently, Monyane stands a good chance of being the first choice right back in the upcoming Bafana Bafana squad,' Tsotetsi added. 'You can see his confidence is growing game by game. He is doing well with the game time he is getting. I know coach Broos is a coach who gives players who are doing well a chance. 'So, I think he will be considered for the national team, and it will be good for him,' he concluded. Despite Tsotetsi's comments, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos did not include Monyane in his preliminary squad on Thursday. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Sundowns coach Cardoso: Advantage or not, Orlando Pirates are a tough nut to crack
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso stresses focus and intensity ahead of Saturday's MTN8 semi-final second leg clash with Orlando Pirates. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media As anticipation builds for the MTN8 semi-final second leg clash between arch-rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates on Saturday in Pretoria, coach Miguel Cardoso is keen to manage expectations, downplaying any advantages his team may hold. With memories of a tightly contested first leg still fresh — in which Sundowns secured an important away goal in a 1–1 draw — the stakes are set for a high-octane encounter at home. Reflecting on last week's performance in Orlando, Cardoso acknowledged the challenges inherent in knockout competitions. 'It might be a cliché, but it's a fact that matches like our competitions with knock-out rounds over two legs are always very tough, both tough,' he stated, underscoring the intensity and unpredictability that define this format. Despite holding the advantage of a home ground and an away goal, Cardoso remains pragmatic. 'Theoretically, people can state that there's an advantage because we already played away and we were able to score one goal,' he conceded. 'However, the reality on the pitch is what truly matters during the two legs. I think that the objectivity of football is determined by what happens inside the four lines,' he added, suggesting that both teams possess the tenacity to battle for victory. The coach offered an honest appraisal of the first match, which he said lacked finesse. 'It was clear that it was not a very aesthetically pleasing match of football, and I don't expect the second one to be much further away from that,' he said, indicating that the encounters will likely be overshadowed by physical play and fierce duels. While Cardoso expressed hope for a more visually pleasing contest this time around, he maintained a focus on the competition with evident seriousness. 'We have a clear intention to win the match because we don't consider that having scored away gives you that comfort,' he stated firmly, challenging his side to elevate their performance against a formidable opponent. As the teams prepare to face off in a match poised to determine who advances to the MTN8 final, anticipation is palpable. 'Expectations of a tough match against a serious opponent,' Cardoso remarked, recognising the significance of the fixture for players, coaches, and fans alike. 'It will be an intriguing match to follow,' he concluded, setting the stage for what promises to be an emotionally charged encounter filled with passion and intensity.
IOL News
11 hours ago
- IOL News
Ouaddou confident Orlando Pirates can overcome Mamelodi Sundowns in MTN8 semi-final
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes his side has the mentality and depth to overcome Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final second leg. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his side will have enough resources to overcome Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday and reach the MTN8 final. Pirates will visit Sundowns in the semi-final second leg at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, following the teams' 1–1 draw in the first leg at Orlando Stadium last Saturday. With Sundowns' away goal giving them the advantage, the pressure is on Pirates to deliver a result in hostile territory. Both sides come into the clash high in confidence after midweek victories in the Betway Premiership. Pirates edged Stellenbosch 1–0 at home on Wednesday, a win that provided relief for Ouaddou after two straight defeats at the start of the season. Amid the positivity surrounding both clubs, Ouaddou painted a picture of the type of encounter he expects in Atteridgeville. 'It's tricky for both teams,' Ouaddou said. 'You have to be very smart about your approach. Of course, we can't give you the plan now, but what I can say is that it will be a very interesting game for both sides.' Sundowns, meanwhile, have pulled out all the stops to beat Pirates for the first time in four recent cup meetings, having lost twice in the MTN8 and once in the Nedbank Cup. They rested several regulars during their 2–0 win over Magesi on Wednesday, a game in which Peter Shalulile equalled the PSL's all-time top scorer record. Ouaddou is not reading too much into that approach, however, stressing that Saturday's clash will be an entirely different contest. 'I don't look at what they did,' he said. 'I was fully focused on our team. Cup games are not about rest, but about mentality. "Do you want to go to the final, keep the title, and play as a unit? "Sometimes you need to find the resources, especially when you go into extra time due to fatigue. Cup games come from the heart – somewhere deep.' The Pirates coach has also reintroduced several senior players in recent matches after facing criticism for chopping and changing his line-ups and favouring new signings. 'We have talented players. It's not just about finding a formula; we have a big squad and everyone is important,' Ouaddou explained. 'Every player who gets the chance to step onto the pitch must give his best for Pirates and the badge. I was very happy with the commitment shown. When they get opportunities, they need to perform.' While he admits there is a core group within the squad, Ouaddou insists he cannot afford to sideline others in such a big team competing on multiple fronts. 'We have a core of players, but everyone is important,' he said. 'It's difficult to talk about a core when you are managing such a large squad across many competitions. That may apply at a smaller club with 15 to 18 players, but at Pirates, you must respect every player and give them time to adapt,' he concluded. Join us over at THE CLUTCH For the latest breaking sporting news and insights from our veteran sports journalists visit our YouTube channel @theclutchza
