Kaizer Chiefs may be in sixth place on the DStv Premiership standings, but are currently closer to bottom spot than to top position, which should be a concern for Arthur Zwane as the team prepares to face a side they have never beaten nor drawn against.
Amakhosi take the trip to Polokwane to host struggling KZN outfit Royal AM, who have a record of three out of three victories over the Soweto giants. Ahead of their meeting at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday, Soccer Laduma takes a look at five key concerns for Zwane.
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Dove Kwinika partnership in question
A big part of Chiefs' rebuilding phase was ensuring that they have a solid defence, but Chiefs are conceding goals more than they are actually scoring. The partnership of Edmilson Dove and Zitha Kwinika is currently not producing the goods for the club, with errors letting the team down. Despite their struggles, Zwane hardly makes changes at the back and the coach has not really shown much confidence in Njabulo Ngcobo, who has made eight appearances this term.
Bimenyimana struggling upfront
Chiefs' trusted scorer this season, Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana, is yet to rattle the back of the net in 2023 and the failure to convert from the penalty spot in the 4-0 defeat to AmaZulu would have affected his confidence. In fact, Bimenyimana has found the back of the net in four of the 10 matches he has played for Chiefs. A goal this weekend could go a long way in restoring his confidence in front of goal. The Burundian is currently on three yellow cards and faces the danger of missing out on Amakhosi's following match against TS Galaxy.
Chiefs feeling Blom's absence
The club is still grooming Samkelo Zwane in that role in front of the back four, but while the process carries on, it's quite clear that Amakhosi are missing the presence of Njabulo Blom, who has arrived in the USA to start his journey in Major League Soccer. Blom was crucial in the middle of the park and Chiefs need to find a way around solidifying that position.
Dolly not finding his rhythm
A key man in Amakhosi's attack is Keagan Dolly and when he is not at his best, Chiefs are not as lethal in the final third. Dolly was not at his best against Sundowns, struggling to find his rhythm in a match Amakhosi needed him the most.
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Top eight under threat
Chiefs may be focusing on finishing as high as possible on the standings, but reality is that they are not too far off the bottom half of the table. As things stand, they are just three points ahead of ninth placed Chippa United and, if their form does not improve, they could find themselves struggling to finish in the top eight this season, which could raise questions on Zwane's ability to lead the side.
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