While Amakhosi were downed by the Cape side, the Buccaneers came from behind to grab a 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United in their match on Tuesday
Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-0 defeat against Stellenbosch FC at the FNB Stadium was far from ideal preparation for the Soweto derby vs Orlando Pirates at the same venue on Saturday.
What was especially concerning for Chiefs on Tuesday against Stellies was the way the visitors stretched and exposed the Glamour Boys’ defence on a number of occasions.
The Cape side used the full width and length of the FNB pitch and this enabled their speedy runners, Ashley du Preez in particular, to run at the heart of the home defence and to create several problems.
It was from such a scenario that Du Preez netted the only goal of the game as he out-ran and outwitted Daniel Cardoso before scoring with a sublime effort into the top corner.
Cardoso, like his veteran central defensive partner Erick Mathoho, is not especially fast and mobile.
The former Free State Stars defender had only just come back into the side after being dropped and while Mathoho had a decent match against Sekhukhune United, he has also not had the best of seasons overall so far.
There is a feeling that the centre of the Chiefs defence remains unsettled and can be vulnerable – Thabani Dube has also been in and out the team in recent weeks, while Njabulo Ngcobo, bought primarily as a central defender after winning the PSL Defender of the Season award last season with Swallows FC, is being used more as a defensive midfielder.
Full-back Reeve Frosler has also been in and out of the team this season, while four goalkeepers have been used, although to be fair, Daniel Akpeyi has consistently been employed over the past few weeks.
The point though is that, as a unit, the Amakhosi backline has not fully convinced yet, while there are individuals who have been inconsistent and not entirely reliable.
Perhaps it may be time for Baxter to fully trust Ngcobo and to play him alongside one of Mathoho or Cardoso, probably the former, going on current form.
That would also free an extra spot in central midfield, and someone like Nkosingiphile Ngcobo could then come in and give the side some more creative spark.
Especially if coach Stuart Baxter continues to play two more defensive-minded players – Cole Alexander and Phathutshedzo Nange in the engine room – having three defensive players in the engine room does seem to be a case of overkill.
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