Kaze Says Durban City Victory Brings Confidence
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has welcomed his side’s hard-fought victory over Durban City, saying the result will bring calm and confidence ahead of their next match.
Chiefs returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Durban City in the Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Sunday, with Glody Lilepo scoring the game’s only goal.
Amakhosi went into the match under mounting pressure after losing four consecutive matches in all competitions, a run that had sparked criticism from several former coaches of the club.
The victory in Soweto lifted Chiefs above Durban City into fifth place on the table with 33 points from 19 matches. City dropped to sixth place with 32 points from 21 games, though they have impressed since earning promotion last season.
Despite their rich history, Chiefs had never previously lost four league matches in succession, and the team approached the encounter determined to end the disappointing streak.
The club’s struggles were also reflected in the stands, with a noticeably small crowd turning out at the Calabash to support the team. Earlier, some supporters had marched to Naturena Village demanding that Kaze and fellow co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef be dismissed.
Chiefs, however, faced a confident Durban City side that arrived for the match having won five of their last six games in all competitions.
Speaking to SuperSport after the match, Kaze said Chiefs had largely controlled the contest but admitted the team allowed unnecessary pressure late in the game.
“It is a game that we controlled from the first minute,” said Kaze.
“I would say in the last five minutes we put ourselves into trouble by dropping back and allowing them to have a lot of throw-ins and set pieces. But it is three points that we deserve, and we are going to work on that.”
Kaze added that the victory would help restore belief within the squad following a difficult period.
“This is going to give us confidence; it is going to give everyone serenity to work and deliver a better performance in the next game.”
Chiefs will next face Magesi FC, who are currently bottom of the table, at the neutral venue of Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban next Saturday.
It remains to be seen whether the calm and confidence Kaze spoke about will translate into improved performances in the coming matches.
