Not so long ago, midfield depth was a wild fantasy at Kaizer Chiefs. Now it’s close to becoming a reality under new management.
Zwane is emerging as a threat to Yusuf Maart
Everyone knows that 22-year-old Samkelo Zwane is a gifted technician with the ball. However, there were questions about his defensive abilities and tactical smartness when his side was out of possession. Manager Nasreddine Nabi has seen the player make strides in both of those departments lately, and that’s a good thing for all concerned. However, skipper Yusuf Maart might be under threat. The 29-year-old is still a key operator for Chiefs but it’s easy to envisage him being replaced by Zwane in the engine room within the next two years. Zwane wouldn’t be a like-for-like replacement for Maart as the two athletes are slightly different player profiles, but they largely operate in the same portion of the pitch.
Kaze wants another midfield schemer at Chiefs
According to Soccer-Laduma, Cedric Kaze has suggested Chiefs battle Sundowns for Tanzanian midfielder Feisal Salum. He’s a player Kaze and Nasdreddine Nabi know well with their vast experience of league football in that country. However, rumoured interest from Masandawana would drive the 26-year-old’s price up. Salum has 37 caps and three goals for his country.
“There could be more changes in the playing staff at Chiefs in January. You know the Tanzanian midfielder that Mamelodi Sundowns have been following, Feisal Salum? Kaizer is now after him. Actually, the assistant coach Cedric Kaze is believed to have proposed him to the club as both he and Nabi know him from Yanga. He played under them before joining Azam and he feels there is a role he can play at the club hence his suggestion to the team. It’s just that at Chiefs for now, when they are ready they will approach Azam. But there is that talk at the club now about Feisal Salum,” said the source.
Likely Kaizer Chiefs XI vs SuperSport: One change?
Changes will be kept to a minimum after Chiefs’ 4-0 drubbing of Matsatsantsa last time out. Edson Castillo could come into the engine room to replace Samkelo Zwane, although manager Nasreddine Nabi has been singing the 22-year-old schemer’s praises. Ranga Chivaviro has scored in three games on the bounce and will lead the line. Chivaviro, Yusuf Maart, Ashley Du Preez and the evergreen Gaston Sirino were the goal-scorers last weekend. Chiefs and Matsatsantsa lock horns on Saturday 26 October at 17:30.
Ntwari; Frosler, Miguel, Dortley, Cross; Maart, Castillo; Sirino, Shabalala, Duba; Chivaviro.
Matsatsantsa are in awful form
SuperSport now have a dismal four points after five league outings in the 2024-2025 Betway Premiership season. Of course, a man of his calibre and experience is fully capable of turning things around, but the signs aren’t great so far. Matsatsantsa has endured a torrid start, losing their last three matches across all competitions, most recently Orlando Pirates who beat them 2-0 at Orlando Stadium. They’ve failed to score in five of their last six matches too. Perhaps it’s too early to speculate, but Gavin Hunt’s job could be on the line if he doesn’t steady the ship soon.
Will Chiefs compound Gavin Hunt’s misery this weekend?
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