Chiefs Striking Depart [ture/ment]

Too many it can be said that the striking department of Kaizer Chiefs has been shadowed by the departure of Kingston Nkhatha; Nkhatha a victim to the boo-boys of some Kaizer Chiefs’ fan, had his move to SuperSport activated early than expected as he had just signed a Pre-contract to join them in July in January 2015. After a great start to the season by Amakhosi some have found praises for Nkhatha as they believe he has been their impact player for Chiefs despite not being clinical in front of goal. He had 20 starts for Amakhosi with 3 goals scored and 3 assists to his name. His presence in the Chiefs team has been vital, his movement off the ball speaks volume, his ability to make space for the midfielders and opening up the defence of many teams has seen Chiefs’ midfielders score quite a few goals for themselves in the opening of the season. Since the departure of Nkhatha Chiefs has now failed to score in 4 of their opening 5 league matches of the second round.
Is the absence of Nkhatha felt? Tactically he was valuable to Baxter’s Formation, now that he is gone who will step in?

 In the First half of the season Chiefs saw:
Siphelele Mthembu start one game and made 16 appearances from the bench scoring 2 goals and no assist.

Matthew Rusike in the first round made two appearances and did not salvage a goal or an assist.

Bernard Parker had a quiet start to the season  but with a positive number of 15 appearances on which 11 were starts and he used those appearances to score 4 goals and make 3 assists

Katlego Mphela featured only once in the Amakhosi team in the first round and that was enough to see himself part of the scorers for Amakhosi in the first round with only 1 goal to his name.

In totally the 4 remaining strikers excluding David Zulu have scored 7 goals in 35 appearances all together, this means that a single goal is scored in every 5th match between these strikers.


Coming to the opening of 2015 and its matches, Mandla Masango remains the only goalscorer for Chiefs in the Second round, scoring a vital goal against Ajax Cape Town.
Chiefs are now left with 5 strikers, Bernard Parker, Siphelele Mthembu, Katlego Mphela, David Zulu and Matthew Ruisike. Now question is who Coach Stuart Baxter will turn to for the goals.  With Parker being favoured more as a Number #10 and not being a natural No.9 the options are trimmed down to 4. And with 4 options to look at, there can only be two options for Coach Baxter, its either they replace Nkhatha with a similar player, and with that option being considered, their best option would be fellow countryman of Nkhatha; Matthew Ruisike, a player who is now much developed in structure compared to his days at Jomo Cosmos, can be a nuisance to the opposing defence, but then he too is not favoured as clinical. If time would be taken to allow him to learn and emulate what Nkhatha did for the Phefeni Glamour Boys in the first round Chiefs might see their midfielders backing in goal scoring form  and head to clinch the league as they are leading but then time is not on their side.

Their second option would be bringing back MaLeMa into their system. The MaLeMa: (Masango-Lebese-Maluleka) combination saw Chiefs not feeling the absence of injured experienced duo Simphiwe Tshabalala and Bernard Parker on the opening occasions of the season. The MaLeMa threat provided Chiefs with a much more impressive dimension to their game and also having an impact on players like Letsholonyane and Katsande who were also vital in the Chiefs build-up going forward and re-tracking in defence. MaLeMa was instrumental and it saw Chiefs bear wonderful fruits, goals and assist all in all. They produced an impressive total of 14 goals with just 60 appearances all together as a midfield combination.

George Maluleka - 3 Goals and 3 Assists in 18 appearances
George Lebese  - 5 Goals and 5 Assists in 19 appearances
Mandla Masango – 6 Goals and  Assists in  23 appearances
*Stats based on the impressive first round of Chiefs Season

A health start to the season and with a healthy lead now being cut short game by game and with the season reaching the high road which saw Chiefs stumble and give away the league to Sundowns last season, with pressure mounting up for their strike force concerns, for their lack of goals in numerous games filled with brilliant performances, the question asked is, what plan?, what route? And which striker will the mastermind tactician Coach Stuart Baxter resort to?

Diski Challenge Team of the Week

The MultiChoice Diski Challenge concluded last weekend at the Nike Football Training Centre where University of Pretoria were crowned the first ever champions.

Tuks won the thrilling final 2-1 on penalties after the teams finished the match tied 2-2.

The third place went to Mpumalanga Black Aces, who defeated SuperSport United 2-1 in regulation time.

supersport.com brings you the Team of the Week after the last two matches that produced six goals.

Lebogang Ngubeni is in goals following his outstanding performance in the final where he denied Sundowns on numerous occasions. He also kept his form during the penalty shootouts, stopping two kicks while two more missed the target, resulting in the opponents scoring only once.

The defence is made up of Tuks' duo Grant Kekana, who was the captain in the absence of Mpho Maruping, and right-back Itumeleng Nkwana. Sundowns' centre-back Jason Skippers completes the backline.

Kekana led from the front as the skipper, combining with Alan Robertson to cancel Sundowns' moves around their box. Resulting in the experienced duo of Lebogang Mokoena and Rodney Ramagalela being frustrated. Their defensive partner Nkwana was also solid against the dangerous left attacking side of their rivals which had the skillful Tshepo Ntlaba and tricky Percy Tau.

Skippers got the judges' vote following his superb showing against the lanky striker Lucky Mathosi, who was making his return after being with the first team, and the pacey Dikgang Ngcobo.

The five men midfield has Sundowns' pair Tau and Ntandoyenkosi Ngubane, James Bell from Aces, SuperSport's Etam Mbebe and the versatile Sifiso Nzimande from Tuks.

Nzimande, who can also play as a left-back, will draw back to assist the three defenders when the team is defending. The central midfield positions will be occupied by Ngubane and Mbebe, who both enjoyed themselves when operating in the same position last weekend and had a number of chances to score.

Tau and Bell will operate on the wings, following their impressive displays. Tau assisted both goals for Sundowns and had two goals disallowed late in extra time. Bell was lively against SuperSport where he started most of the moves and was unlucky not to score.

The striking force has Tuks' duo Botshelo Mfulwane and Dikgang Ngcobo, who were both on the score sheet in the final. Mfulwane opened the scoring when he tapped Nzimande's cross into the back of the net. Ngcobo converted a penalty to equalise and took the match to penalties.

The pair contributed seven goals for Tuks in the tournament, with Mfulwane netting four times and came one short to be a joint top scorer.

Team of the Week

Goalkeeper: Ngubeni (Tuks)

Defenders: Nkwana (Tuks), Skippers (Sundowns), Kekana (Tuks)

Midfielders: Nzimande (Tuks), Ngubane (Tuks), Mbebe (SuperSport), Bell (Aces), Tau (Sundowns)

Strikers: Ngcobo (Tuks), Mfulwane (Tuks)

Substitutions: Ngobeni (Sundowns), Robertson (Tuks), Zulu S (Sundowns), Mashiane (SuperSport), Moseamedi, Nodada (Aces), Hlatshwayo (Sundowns), Zulu K (SuperSport)

Tuks looking foward to Dutch trip

The players of University of Pretoria, the newly crowned champions of the inaugural MultiChoice Diski Challenge, are excited about going to the Netherlands later this month.

Tuks won the tournament after beating rivals Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 on penalties following a 2-2 draw. As their reward, the youngsters will embark on a trip to Europe for an eight-day training camp.

Grant Kekana, who was captain on the day in the absence of the injured Mpho Maruping, spoke about his excitement about the tour.

"This is what we've been wanting the whole time. It's just about us getting back to the basics, going to train and prepare well so that we don't disappoint, not only ourselves, but the whole country as well," he said.

Lebogang Ngubeni, who only conceded one of five spot-kicks and was voted man of the match, burst with joy when asked if he's looking forward to the trip.

"Yes, that was the main focus actually. You know, winning and going overseas isn't just a trip at Alberton. So we are actually looking forward to it, I can't wait."

Maruping, who couldn't help but watch from the sidelines as his teammates fought hard on the field, said he wished they were heading there already.

"We can’t even wait. We were thinking we are flying tomorrow already but they are telling us it's going to be around March or April, I'm not sure. But anyway, we can't wait to fly," said the winning captain.

Striker Dikgang Ngcobo is also joyful about going to Europe after contributing three goals on their journey to lifting the trophy.

"Yeah obviously (we are looking forward), we've been wanting to go to Netherlands. They have got their passports and the visas are being processed so we are looking forward to going there."

Left-back Junior Sibande echoed the same, "Yeah we're going to start preparing for the trip. We are looking forward to be there and represent South Africa."

Sifiso Nzimande was one of the top performers during the final and assisted the opening goal. He also can't wait for the experience.

"We're definitely looking forward to it. We'll have to start preparing visas." he said laughing.

Lucky Mathosi, who returned to the side after being with the first team during the knockout round, is not sure if he will make the trip but is also equally pleased.

"I don't know if I'm going, but if I am, yeah I'm looking to the trip and the experience,"said the lanky striker.

Tuks will be hosted by the Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) when they depart on March 21. Their trip will be made up of a four-day training camp and friendly matches against selected sides of the Dutch league (Eredivisie).

Tuks crowned Diski Challenge champs

University of Pretoria became the first team to lift the MultiChoice Diksi Challenge trophy after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 on penalties in the final at the Nike Football Training Centre in Pimville, Soweto on Saturday afternoon.

The match had finished 2-2 after extra time.

Botshelo Mfulwane opened the scoring in the 13th minute when he tapped Sifiso Nzimande's cross into the back of the net, scoring his fourth goal of the competition.

Sundowns were level six minutes later after defender Rheece Evans headed Percy Tau's free past Lebogang Ngubeni, whose slight touch wasn't enough to keep the ball out.

The match failed to produce any goals in the second half and the teams went into extra time.

Sundowns got their second when veteran striker Rodney Ramagalela beat an offside trap from Tau's through pass and raced towards goals before putting the ball past the advancing Ngubeni in 100th minute..

Tuks equalised eleven minutes later after Katlego Babile handled Dikgang Ngcobo's strike. The strike took the responsibility and converted the spotkick to make it 2-2.

The winner had to be decided via the penalty shootouts, which were dominated by missed attempts.

Mfulwane and Ronald Ketjijere scored their spotkicks for Tuks while Sundowns' only successful penalty was scored by Lebohang Mokoena.

Tuks were immediately camping on the Brazilians' half in the early stages with Dikgang Ngcobo getting the first chance of the match in the 4th minute when he was put through. Keeper Thela Ngobeni was quick to react and came out to block the striker's shot.

COMBINATION

Mfulwane connected with a well taken cross by Nzimande from the left six minutes later, but his diving header went wide although it appeared to have came off a Sundowns' defender.

The same combination struck again as the left winger whipped in another cross which was sided footed to the net by the stretching Mfulwane to give Tuks the lead.

The goal awakened their opponents as they forced a double save off Ngubeni who denied Tshepo Ntlaba and Mokoena in the 17th minute.

Evans got the equaliser two minutes later as he rose unchallenged to head the ball past Ngubeni from a set piece that was taken by Tau.

The tempo of the match was on a high from there on with end-to-end action. Ntlaba came close in the 34th minute but his shot was blocked for a corner.

The start of the second half was a carbon copy of the first as Ngcobo was again put through with Ngobeni coming out to to hold onto the ball.

Evans was given space from the midfield seven minutes into the half resulting in the defender taking a shot but it was tame and the keeper collected with ease.

WISE MOVE

Ntlaba shot straight at Ngubeni after being set up by Tau in the 57th minute. Sundowns made their first change five minutes later when Mpumelelo Hlatshwayo came on for Sihle Mbhele, which proved to be a wise move as the sub made them tick.

Defender Alan Robertson caused a scare when he was stretched off in the 68th minute but he quickly returned, much to the relief of his team.

Two minutes later, Hlatshwayo missed a great chance to be a hero for Sundowns when he failed to connect with the ball. Ntlaba laid the ball to Tau who raced to loop it over Ngubeni but Hlatshwayo miscued facing an open net and the defence recovered to clear.

Evans and Ntlaba were sacrificed for Ramagalela and Bongani Fakude, who was making his return from an injury.

Sundowns dominated proceedings with the tricky Hhlatshwayo breaking the Tuks' midfield, resulting in him winning over the crowd.

Ntandoyenkosi Ngubane missed a chance to add to the three goals he has in the competition when he shot over the bar in the 83rd minute after receiving a pass from Tau.

RARE CHANCE

Tuks got a rare chance after being forced to defend for a long period but Jason Skippers cleared Nzimande's cross with the lanky Lucky Mathosi ready to pounce.

Hlatshwayo delayed to cross the ball from inside the box with a number of his teammates in anticipation as they crowded the area, he was closed down and the defence cleared.

The final chance fell to Mfulwane who misdirected a free header. The match then went into extra time.

Sundowns continued from where they left off as local boy Snethemba Zulu fired a shot from outside the box that skimmed over the post.

Ramagalela made it 2-1 when he was put through by the in-form Tau and went on to put the ball past Ngubeni as Tuks had their appeal for offside turned down.

Sensing defeat, Tuks launched an attack after attack but Ngobeni easily dealt with their crosses.

Mfulwane headed wide ten minutes later in the final seconds of the first 15 minutes of the extra time.

They got the equaliser in the 111th minute when Ngcobo converted a penalty to score his third goal of the tournament.

Two minutes later, Babile almost scored a similar free kick to the one he scored in the quarterfinals on his debut but Ngubeni read the ball well and made a great save.

Mathosi almost capitalised from a miscommunication between Motsie Matima and Fakude inside the box with four minutes remaining, but the striker was unable to control the ball.

DRAMA

More drama followed as Tau twice had the ball into the back of the net but he was denied being the hero on both. The first one was ruled offside while the second one left many wondering why it was ruled out but replays showed that the midfielder's free kick had came through the side net.

The first ever Diski Challenge champions had to be decided on the shootouts, where four Sundowns' players missed their kicks. Babile shot over while Ramagalela hit the inside of the crossbar, Ngubane and Tau had theirs saved by Ngubeni.

Three attempts from Tuks were unsuccessful with Ngobeni saving captain Grant Kekana's penatly and that of Ngcobo while Nzimande sent his over the crossbar.

Tuks won after Mfulwane and Ketjijere converted, out scoring their opponents who only scored through Mokoena.

The champions will embark on a journey to Netherlands for an eight-day training camp from March 21.

Teams

Tuks: Ngubeni, Nkwana, Sibande, Kekana, Robertson, Ketjijere, Motlhatsang, Nzimande, Mfulwane, Ngcobo, Mathosi

Sundowns: Ngobeni, Evans, Babile, Skippers, Matima, Ngubane, Zulu, Mbhele, Tau, Ntlaba, Mokoena

Aces edge United in Diski playoff

Mpumalanga Black Aces won 2-1 against SuperSport United in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge 3rd and 4th place playoff that was played at the Nike Football Training Centre in Pimville, Soweto on Saturday.

Aces opened the scoring in the 31st minute through Zanele Mbiyozo before Kwanele Zulu equalised five minutes later, netting his second goal in two matches. Darren Lurie netted the winner with his fourth goal of the competition in the 44th minute.

SuperSport finished the match with ten men after captain and goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi was red carded in the second half for a foul on Lurie at the edge of the box.

AmaZayoni controlled the proceedings in the early stages of the match with midfielders James Bell and Thabo Nodada in good form.

SuperSport were also dangerous going forward as the midfield combination of Zama Rambuwane, Sidney Mtshweni and the first team's new signing Etam Mbebe looked to break the defence.

Scoring chances were few earlier on as the teams patiently studied each other looking to pounce when an opportunity arise.

Aces broke the deadlock in the 31st minute as Zanele Mbiyozo's header deflected off Karabo Seriba's back and went into the back of the net with Msibi having already committed the other direction.

Minutes later, Bell's goal bound free kick was well dealt with by Msibi who handled the powerful strike firmly.

The lead was short lived as SuperSport got the equaliser five minutes later after Kwanele Zulu capitalised from the miscommunication between keeper Cyril Mollo and Haward Mnguni, to poke the ball into the back of the net.

Aces regained the lead in the 44th minute after a brilliant team goal that started with Nodada on the right who passed to the captain Judas Moseamedi, the striker went passed a defender and laid the to Lurie. The latter drove the ball past Msibi for his four goal of the tournament.

MARCHING ORDERS

SuperSport had the ball into the back of the net seven minutes after the break but the overlapping Thabo September was flagged offside.

Zulu missed a great opportunity to double his tally in the 55th minute but his shot from six yard went over the goals.

The Pretoria side was then reduced to ten men after Msibi fouled Lurie, who only had him to beat, on the edged of the box. The referee didn't hesitate to give the Amajita keeper his marching orders.

That resulted in reserve goalkeeper Keegan Pool making his debut in the competition when SuperSport sacrificed left-back Brandon Dean.

Mbebe had a chance to get the equaliser but he missed the target on three occasions with his free kicks, which were all well taken.

The game momentarily lost momentum as the teams made a couple of replacements, which included Aces' veteran Clifford Ngobeni making way for Given Mashikinya in the 67th minute.

SuperSport had another goal ruled offside when Zulu scored from a through ball in the 57th minute.

Aces got two golden opportunities to wrap up the victory in added time but they failed to capitalise. The first culprit was Moseamedi who shot wide, he was followed by Bell who also missed the target from inside the box.

Teams

SuperSport: Msibi, Seriba, Dean (Pool '57), Ntiyantiya, September, Mtshweni, Sathekge, Rambuwane (Ngidi '46), Mbebe, Mashiane (Joost '65) , Zulu

Aces: Mollo, Kobola, Khumalo, Mnguni, Malinga, Ngobeni (Mashikinya '67), Mbiyozo, James, Nodada (Moshane '65), Moseamedi, Lurie (Ntombela '90)