Kaizer Chiefs' lack of keeping clean sheets has been alarming under head coach Nasreddine Nabi and Soccer Laduma analyzes whether the Tunisian has quality personnel to implement his game model.
Chiefs are yet to keep clean sheets for at least two consecutive matches in the league so far, midway into the season and only kept clean sheets for two straight matches once, only recently, in a 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United, followed a 4-0 victory over Free Agents in the Nedbank Cup, which would obviously have to be considered with a pinch of salt, given that it was against a third-tier opposition.
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In spite of new signings, Thabo Cele, Tashreeq Morris and Makabi Lilepo all starting for the first time against AmaZulu, Amakhosi still went on to concede two goals in a 2-2 draw.
The manner in which the Glamour Boys have been conceding most of their goals has been similar, being caught on counter-attacks, with balls played through their defence, as Nabi's game model is that of a high line.
As a matter of principle, teams that play a high line have to dominate possession and Chiefs not yet dominating possession in games has made them vulnerable to transitions.
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There are certain key principles that are needed when playing a high line and there is currently a question mark on whether Amakhosi have the personnel to make this game model effective.
Offside trap
Obviously playing a high-line has the element of setting up offside traps. However, given the erroneous nature of PSL referees and with no VAR in the league, it's not advisable to play a high-line, unless a team has a clinical scoring ability. Chiefs have been missing big and glaring chances and still need a couple of quality finishers.
Pace and recovery
Playing a high line also requires pacy defenders, either to quickly close the space high up or to recover. Rushwin Dortley, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Bradley Cross are some of the defenders at Chiefs who are not blessed with pace.
Positioning and co-ordination
Pressing high up also has to be backed by a very good defensive unit but Amakhosi's defence has been caught scattered, especially out of possession, particularly Inacio Miguel, who is often caught out of possession.
Communication is also key in keeping a the defensive unit cohesive and Chiefs are yet to impress in this area as well and are yet to find a dependable central defence pairing.
Sweeper-keeper
Playing a high line also needs a goalkeeper that is able to be advanced and play as a sweeper. Bruce Bvuma still has some way to go to catch up with the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper Ronwen Williams, who goes out of his area as far as close to the centre line when Sundowns press high.
