Here is the story: Kaizer Chiefs went from three consecutive clean sheets to three goals conceded in a single match, as they succumbed 2-3 to Lamontville Golden Arrows.
In a game played at Peter Mokaba stadium yesterday, Amakhosi were expected to continue from where they left off against Maritzburg United in their Nedbank Cup 2-0 victory.
Instead, it was Arrows who came out victorious with goals from Ntsako Makhubela 45+1, and Knox Mutizwa 66′ – 77′, while Sifiso Hlanti 8′ and Mduduzi Shabalala 46′, found the net for Amakhosi.
The fact of the matter is: Kaizer Chiefs didn’t really deserve to win yesterday’s encounter.
They only threatened Arrows in patches, without having any grip on the game as Abafana bes’thende took more initiative and dictated matters.
Arrows enjoyed 58% possession, completed 485 passes, and had six shots on target from twelve attempts.
They played as if they were the home side, with Ntsako Makhubela and Pule Mmodi pulling the strings, while Mutizwa was a constant threat to the Kaizer Chiefs defence.
On the other hand, Chiefs looked more content with playing on the transition.
With only 42% of the ball, they only managed four shots on target.
Saile was not a threat he was expected to be against an Arrows defence that had conceded twelve goals in five league games going into yesterday’s encounter.
Except for his assist to Shabalala’s goal in early in the second half, Du Preez was also a mere spectator in the game.
It was Dolly, Maart, Sithebe, and Shabalala who looked more threatening for Amakhosi. Unfortunately, their efforts were just not enough to salvage the game for the glamour boys.
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In a nutshell: Lack of consistency reared its ugly head again for Arthur Zwane’s men, just when things were starting to look promising.
The loss means Kaizer Chiefs will remain fifth on the log, with the highly anticipated Soweto derby being their next game in the coming weekend.
If they take yesterday’s performance to the Orlando Pirates game, another unpleasant result is on the cards.
And the fans’ thought: “Arrows gave Kaizer Chiefs enough time on the ball in the first half, and because of that, Kaizer Chiefs looked good,” said @SigamCbudah.
“Their passes were on point, but later in the first half, Arrows pressing improved. They went wide to Ngezana, and also created positional overload on Austin Dube, and they scored.
“Zwane’s tactical acumen was tested, and it was badly exposed because he wanted to consolidate early by making two changes, he took Mdu out and brought in Nange.
“Now he had three defensive midfielders and no mobility going forward. Arrows scored two goals and Kaizer Chiefs looked like a side that is playing on the back foot, with less attacking movements, until the final whistle,” he added.
