Chiefs Assistant On Ranga Being Booed By Fans
Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef acknowledged that Ranga Chivaviro has experienced a significant dip in form, following the striker’s missed opportunity against Golden Arrows.
Chivaviro was loudly booed by the home crowd after failing to convert a clear-cut chance during their Betway Premiership match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
Chivaviro spurned a golden opportunity in the second half when he found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, he opted for the wrong technique and the wrong foot, awkwardly striking the ball wide with his left foot.
The home fans reacted with audible boos and whistles, recognizing the squandered opportunity as a crucial moment in their 1-0 deficit.
The match ultimately ended 1-0 in favor of Arrows, with captain Gladwin Shitolo finding the net after Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma parried the ball into his path.
“Ranga is a striker, and a striker’s life revolves around scoring goals,” stated Ben Youssef.
Chivaviro, who joined Chiefs from Marumo Gallants at the beginning of last season, enjoyed a promising start. He netted three times in his first four appearances across all competitions.
However, his goal-scoring form has since dwindled, with only one additional goal scored against TS Galaxy in December.
“He began the league very well and found the net regularly. Subsequently, his performance has dipped. We are working diligently to provide him with individual training sessions,” admitted Ben Youssef, who was tasked with addressing the media at the post-match press conference after head coach Nasreddine Nabi was sent off for dissent.
“Undoubtedly, it was a significant scoring opportunity. He was unfortunate in his choice to use his left foot. Perhaps, utilizing his right foot would have been easier, but these are the decisions strikers must make. We will continue to work with him to improve.”
Nabi’s red card will result in his absence from the upcoming matches against Sekhukhune United and Free Agents in the Nedbank Cup Round 32. Importantly, he will be eligible to return for the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on 1 February.
