“Under No Threat!” — Kaze

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has praised the growth of his side this season, insisting they were never truly under threat despite being reduced to 10 men against AmaZulu FC this past weekend.

Chiefs played more than 20 minutes with a man down in Saturday’s Betway Premiership clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday after Glody Lilepo was sent off in the 69th minute.

Lilepo received his marching orders after removing his shirt while celebrating his goal, having already been booked earlier in the match.

Despite the numerical disadvantage and sustained pressure from Usuthu — which saw goalkeeper Brandon Petersen named Man of the Match — Amakhosi held on for all three points to move to 54 points after 29 matches. Petersen’s four crucial reflex saves denied Usuthu, backing up his Man of the Match honors.

Chiefs entered the game having already secured third place ahead of AmaZulu in the race for CAF Confederation Cup qualification. Their final league fixture against Chippa United at the Durban venue this coming weekend is now effectively a formality for Amakhosi.

Chiefs reached the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup this season but failed to progress to the knockout rounds despite having qualification in their own hands.

“I would say this group of players has grown tremendously throughout the season,” said Kaze.

“They played in the Confederation Cup, they travelled, and they stayed united. Unfortunately, we had to play the final 20 minutes with a man down.

“But we were never really in danger. We controlled the game and defended well until we made a slight tactical adjustment by bringing on Inacio Miguel to switch to a back three and better control the space behind our defensive line.

“When Siphesihle Ndlovu and Pule Mmodi came on, they gave us good balance with the way they kept possession and helped push the team higher up the pitch.”