Thabo Cele diagnoses Kaizer Chiefs’ problem

Thabo Cele diagnoses Kaizer Chiefs’ problem

Thabo Cele. Photo credit: Kaizer Chiefs

Thabo Cele diagnoses Kaizer Chiefs’ problem

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele has given a candid assessment of the team’s current state, pinpointing their struggle with transitions and a lack of control as key issues.

Despite the Soweto giants’ perfect start to the new 2024/26 season with two clean-sheet victories against Stellenbosch FC (2-0) and Polokwane City (1-), Cele believes the team needs to improve their balance, particularly during late-game moments.

Cele admitted that even with an improved squad, the team remains vulnerable when losing possession. He feels that the Glamour Boys’ attempts to dominate the game are often a struggle, a problem that is tied to confidence. This concern is rooted in last season’s statistics, where Chiefs conceded 32 goals, ranking them as the third-highest in the league for goals conceded.

Speaking to the media at the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena on Monday ahead of the team’s upcoming match against Richards Bay FC, Cele emphasised the need for tactical improvement.

“If you look at it, our problem is that we play and then we concede on transitions, so we’re trying to be in control, especially in the opponent’s half,” Cele said. “We want to create more opportunities and also maintain control in the opponent’s half.”

He noted that while the two opening wins were a good start, the team is far from perfect. He pointed out that opponents like Stellenbosch FC were still able to create opportunities and that the team’s goal is to minimise those chances while creating more of their own.

“We’re trying to improve, like I said, we’re trying to improve on how we play, on how we create opportunities, on how we do everything, like in the previous games,” he added. “We’re also trying to maintain that [clean sheet record].”

Cele hopes the team will play with the same conviction as they did in their opening matches, starving opponents of the ball and taking control of the game. Amakhosi are set to host Richards Bay FC in a league tie at the FNB Stadium this Tuesday at 19:30.

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