Vela Criticizes Teams For Sitting Deep Against Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge coach Vela Khumalo has voiced his frustration at the defensive approach of opposing teams this season, saying most sides are sitting too deep when facing Amakhosi.
Chiefs are now four matches without a win in the reserve league.
Amakhosi were once again left frustrated after a 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday.
Despite creating numerous chances, they were unable to find a winning goal, and Khumalo’s post-match comments suggested his team must find new ways to unlock compact defenses.
The result leaves the defending champions sitting eighth on the DStv Diski Challenge log with eight points from six matches, eight points behind log leaders Orlando Pirates, who beat Golden Arrows at the same venue on Saturday.
“It’s all about how the teams that we are facing sit back and they play reinforce defense,” Khumalo said.
“So, we need to be able to unlock a team that relies mainly on transitions. That’s what we have experienced, and we’re experiencing that.”
Khumalo’s frustration stems from the fact that his team has been creating plenty of chances but failing to capitalize on them.
“There are plenty of chances that we created, I think we were not clinical,” he said.
“But I think week in week out we give this kind of performance, it’s positive for the boys.”
The 48-year-old mentor believes that being the defending champions means that teams will always make it difficult for them.
“You know when you’re the champions, everybody that plays against you, they make sure they make things difficult for you,” he said.
Despite the struggles, Khumalo remains upbeat about his team’s performances.
“I’m happy with the performances and everything, but also we need to go back and correct the issue of scoring goals, of which we’ve been struggling to score,” he said.
Chiefs have endured a tough start to the season, winning two, losing two, and drawing two of their six matches. Their last victory came in their second game of the season against Stellenbosch FC.
Khumalo’s comments highlight that for Amakhosi to get their campaign back on track, they will need to find more effective ways to break down defensive opponents and turn possession into goals.
