Kaze Admits Half-Time Rant Sparked Chiefs’ Crucial Win Over Gallants
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze admitted that he had to raise his voice in the dressing room at half-time after his side delivered a below-par first-half performance against Marumo Gallants.
The message clearly worked, as Amakhosi kept themselves firmly in the Betway Premiership title race, moving up to second place following a 1–0 victory at Dr Molemela Stadium on Wednesday night. A stunning second-half strike from Glody Lilepo proved to be the difference.
After a quiet opening half, Lilepo fired a superb shot from the far side to lift Chiefs to 30 points from 15 matches, just two points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
The win also saw Orlando Pirates drop to third place with 29 points, although both Chiefs and Sundowns have played two more matches than the Soweto giants.
Gallants, widely regarded as one of the best-coached teams in the league, came into the match unbeaten in six home games, alongside Sundowns and Polokwane City, making them a difficult opponent for Chiefs.
That resilience frustrated Amakhosi for long spells, but a moment of brilliance from Lilepo ultimately separated the two sides.
“I’m happy about the three points. I believe that we didn’t start the game very well,” Kaze told SuperSport TV after the match.
“The first half was a little sloppy and a little reactive. We had to tell the players that if we want to get the three points, we need to go out there and be on the front foot, not react to every pass and every movement they make.
“I believe the second half was much, much better. And what a goal — what a goal. We are very happy to take the three points.”
Chiefs, who were in Zambia over the weekend to face ZESCO United in the CAF Confederation Cup, will now shift their focus back to continental action. Amakhosi travel to Durban to face ZESCO again in a matchday four group-stage clash in the Confed Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
“And now we’re going to focus on the CAF Confederation Cup game on Sunday,” Kaze added.
