The once-feared Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs, continued their terrible season by sneaking back into the top eight. They are now finding it difficult to defeat opponents they used to defeat with ease.
Amakhosi used to have such a strong record over the Durbanites that at one point it was joked that anyone donning the Chiefs’ colours would beat AmaZulu.
However, after Usuthu crushed Chiefs 4-0 the previous season, things have changed. On Sunday night, Amakhosi was fortunate to return to Moses Mabhida Stadium with a point after a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu.
The Chiefs kicked off Mother’s Day festivities on a positive note, putting on a show this season that only a mother could appreciate.
Just over 90 seconds had passed when Du Preez found the back of the net, and many of the thousands of spectators who had traveled here were still making their way inside.
Celimpilo Ngema attempted to locate centerback Taariq Fielies as the Durban team sought to play out of the back, but the Chiefs’ striker pickpocketed the errant pass at the back.
Du Preez struck quickly, giving Amakhosi the advantage and starting their challenge for a top eight finish. Amakhosi gained self-assurance and started to intimidate AmaZulu in their own backyard.
However, they were unable to convert, which allowed the hosts to rebound and even take the game to the faltering Soweto giants. When they equalized just six minutes before halftime, it paid off.
Even though Letsoalo’s goal appeared to be slightly offside, referee Olani Kwinda and Lubabalo Pitsha saw no faults with the strike from Augustine Mulenga’s cross.
Letsoalo split their celebration into two halves: one for the goal and the other for the officials to comment, which they did not.
Usuthu scored the equalizer as the goal stood, which added credence to Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson’s grievances.
Apart from the refereeing problems, Amakhosi have really been terrible this season; they lack direction, inventiveness, and strong leadership.
Edwin Dove was not present, so Thatayaone Dithlokwe wore the armband instead.
Chiefs have struggled to find direction on the field in the absence of a dependable leader, which has been exacerbated by their two recent red card incidents (Wome against Galaxy and Msimango against Mamelodi Sundowns).
Although the team hasn’t had a consistent player on the pitch, its coach has been criticised by his peers for being a poor tactical player. The club is currently in the lower half of the log as a result of this.
