Amakhosi have won two of the three matches the Kenya international has played at the heart of defence
Kaizer Chiefs utility player Anthony Akumu believes being changed from the defensive midfield position into a centre-back shows the confidence that coach Gavin Hunt has in him.
The past three Premier Soccer League matches have seen Akumu operating as a central defender alongside Ramahlwe Mphahlele.
Under that defensive set-up, Chiefs first lost to Maritzburg United, before edging AmaZulu 1-0 and then last weekend’s 2-1 win over Cape Town City.
“I’ve adapted to playing wherever coach Gavin Hunt utilises me. Playing anywhere on the field is all about the belief that the coach and your teammates have in you,” Akumu told the Chiefs website.
“So, I’m comfortable with being deployed in any position that I can play. I have played in many positions as player, so it’s not a new thing for me.
“Playing with ‘Rama’ and the other guys is good. Someone like Rama makes it easier because he communicates with me all the time and he’s experienced. It’s a good thing to be playing and winning.”
While fielding the Kenya international at the heart of defence has been facilitated by the absence of Erick Mthoho, it appears to be a solution to Chefs’ defensive frailties.
In the win over Usuthu, Chiefs scored 11 minutes into the match and then successfully defended their lead for most of the match.
Against City, they scored two goals in the first 20 minutes of the game before managing to hold onto their advantage despite a spirited comeback attempt by their opponents.
Those were away shows of resilience by the Chiefs defence that had developed a reputation of being easily cracked in previous matches this season.
Now Amakhosi are back at FNB Stadium where they will host Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on Tuesday and Akumu wants the same recent approach to games maintained.
“Winning two games in a row is a morale booster. We can continue from where we left off for the next game against TTM,” said Akumu.
“If we can approach the next game in the same way we approached the last two games, I believe that we can get the maximum points we need. Our next game on Tuesday won’t be easy.
“It will be as tough as the other ones. Therefore, it’s about the right attitude and approach. I believe we can collect the three points. Whoever will be there on the pitch must be supported.”
If Mathoho is available for selection for the TTM match, it would be interesting to see how Hunt would arrange the central defensive position.
The six points collected by Chiefs lifted them up from being one point above the bottom of the standings to mid-table, where they are five points above basement side TS Galaxy.
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