Sometimes it’s not how you start, but how you finish. Kaizer Chiefs will be eager to embody that mantra heading into their last two games of the year.
This season was supposed to be about redemption and rediscovery for the Amakhosi, as the club appointed coach Nasreddine Nabi and signed new players.
But such has been Chiefs’ rollercoaster run in the first half of the season, Nabi has shown he’s no ‘messiah’, and will sometimes need to adapt as well.
The Tunisian mentor hasn’t only struggled to get results and points – as he missed out on the Carling Knockout Cup and is sitting ninth in the Premiership – but all round.
Amakhosi have conceded the most number of goals (12) in the league, and have the third-best conversion rate (12 goals) despite creating the most scoring chances.
Granted, their poor run of form in front of goal is understandable as Chiefs failed to sign a lethal striker in winter.
But, boy, their defensive frailties are inexcusable.
Of all the money they invested in winter, most of it was on defence as they signed around six players for the backline, including goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.
The towering Rwandan has incredibly been the weakest link of the newcomers as he’s conceded 11 goals in just seven games, proving that he was not fit for the No 1 jersey.
Fellow defensive newbies – Bradley Cross, Rushwin Dortley, Njabulo Blom and Bongani Sam – also had niggling problems, and Inacio Miguel has been their best buy.
The Angolan, sure, has had disciplinary issues after back-to-back suspensions, but he’s been solid, showing character and leading with aplomb.
As such, when he was ‘unofficially’ appointed vice-captain, that was not surprising.
Even youngsters such as Wandile Duba have raved about his leadership qualities on and off the pitch.
But Miguel couldn’t do it all on his own in the first half of the season.
His defensive unit had to be solid, while his offensive contingent had to bury their chances upfront as well.
Happy Birthday Inácio! We hope that you will have an amazing day ✌️ #MiguelsBirthday #Amakhosi4Life #AlwaysHome pic.twitter.com/haiZnng1Hl
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) December 12, 2024
Not all is lost for Chiefs, though.
They can still save their first half of the season if they beat TS Galaxy and Chippa United in their last two games of the year respectively.
Galaxy will pose a threat to that six-pointer more than Chippa though.
They’ll host the Amakhosi in Mbombela on Monday (3.30pm kick-off), while they always up the tempo when the two sides meet.
The Rockets are firing from all angles after the departure of coach Sead Ramovic, having interim incumbent Adnan Beganovic win two games and draw one in his first three.
And with Chiefs having struggled against Galaxy, dating back to when they lost the Nedbank Cup to the then NFD-based outfit, this clash has become one for the books.
So, that’s why the onus is on Nabi and his charges to squash any ‘rivalry’ tag against Galaxy by cracking the whip on them in their first meeting of the season.
That’s easier said than done, though. Chiefs still need to be at their best all round, burying chances upfront and keeping their first ever clean sheet of the new campaign.
After all, goalkeepers will know that keeping a clean sheet in league means a point will be retained, something that could prove to be precious in the end.
Kudos to Nabi, as he has shown that he’ll not waste time in dropping players who do not look the part or pull their weight around, having had new faces in the last three games.
Ashley du Preez and Sibongiseni Mthethwa returned to Chiefs’ starting line-up recently, and they’ve looked the part, including the former scoring two goals in three starts.
Nabi has also dangled a juicy carrot in front of his troops – regulars and fringes – that when they show their zeal and hard work at training, they’ll get to play.
So, the onus is on Chiefs to rub off their recent poor run of form, which include one win, one draw and loss, recently to Polokwane City, and end the year on a high note.