Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Humphrey Mlwane has weighed in on Amakhosi's ongoing struggles, highlighting key issues that might have led to their disappointing season.
Chiefs suffered their 10th loss of the Betway Premiership campaign over the weekend, falling to Golden Arrows, and now risk finishing outside the Top Eight for the second consecutive season if results do not improve in their final seven matches.
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According to Mlwane, Chiefs have become too predictable in their style of play, making it easier for opponents to counter their strategies.
He attributes this to what he says is a lack of depth and quality within the squad, which has made it difficult for the team to adapt and compete effectively against stronger opposition.
Mlwane, who is the coach of The Bees FC in Mpumalanga's ABC Motsepe League, believes that Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi was able to exploit these weaknesses to secure victory against Chiefs.
The football legend also pointed out at what he believes is a lack of leadership within the squad, emphasizing that the current players do not possess the character and winning mentality required to turn tough situations around.
He noted that Chiefs' struggle to find a standout player capable of making a significant impact, unlike rivals Orlando Pirates, who have a game-changer in Relebohile 'Rele' Mofokeng.
The youngster's ability to step up in crucial matches, as seen in his performance against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Buccaneers' most recent match, is something Mlwane believes Chiefs desperately need but currently lack.
"Chiefs are very predictable in how they play, and one of the reasons for that is that they don't have too many options in terms of players and quality in the team. That's why it wasn't difficult for coach Manqoba to figure them out and managed to get the win for Golden Arrows against them. Another thing lacking at Chiefs are players with leadership qualities. They don't have leaders on the field and that's their downfall. They don't have players with character and good winning mentality. Their current players seem to give up easily when the going gets tough," said Mlwane, speaking exclusively to the Siya crew.
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"Chiefs need a player like Mofokeng from Pirates. For me, they don't have a star player –someone who is easily noticeable when he is not there. Right now, no matter which player is unavailable in the line-up, it's the same thing, you can't even tell or notice, it's all the same. At Pirates, you would easily notice when Mofokeng isn't there because he is a top performer for the team, and he is consistent. That boy works tirelessly, and you need players like that in your team. As young as he is, he's got the ability to carry the team, and he does so perfectly. Chiefs need a player like that, but unfortunately, they don't have one. Look at how Mofokeng performed against Sundowns, scoring two quick goals in a game of such a big magnitude, that's top class. Unfortunately, we (Chiefs) don't have a player like that," concluded Mlwane.
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