Chiefs out to end winless run as Kaze eyes crucial Siwelele victory

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze is determined to see his side rediscover their winning touch when they face a stubborn Siwelele FC outfit in their Betway Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening (7:30pm kick-off).

Amakhosi return to league duty after a demanding few weeks on the continental stage, where their CAF Confederation Cup campaign has provided moments of promise so far.

Their most recent outing — a goalless draw against AS Simba of the Democratic Republic of Congo — kept them in contention for qualification to the group stages, but also highlighted their ongoing struggles in front of goal.

Chiefs have collected just two points from their last three matches, a dip that has disrupted their strong start to the season. Having gone unbeaten in their opening five games, the Glamour Boys now find themselves playing catch-up with table-toppers Mamelodi Sundowns. 

They will need to overcome a Siwelele side that, despite its own rocky start, has shown resilience in recent weeks. The Lehlohonolo Seema-led outfit has proved difficult to break down, even for more established sides, and their compact defensive setup has frustrated opponents throughout the early stages of the season.

Kaze expects another tactical battle and has challenged his players to show creativity in breaking down their opponents.

“It’s true that they didn’t start the season well, but in their last few games they look like they’re putting things together and improving,” Kaze said.

“It’s going to be a very difficult game against a team that defends well — they’re compact, disciplined, and willing to work hard to protect their goal. We’ve been struggling to score goals lately, but I’m confident that we’re prepared to do everything we can to unlock them—and to defend well ourselves.”

Kaze took several positives from their performance in Congo, praising his team’s ability to adapt to difficult conditions.

“The trip to the DRC was not easy; it was as tough as we expected,” Kaze added.

“The conditions were difficult, but I’m glad we came back with something to build on. We’re now fully focused on the second leg and ready to make history for this club.”

Amakhosi's main concern remains their efficiency in the final third. In eight league matches so far, the Glamour Boys have scored just eight goals. Their finishing once again came under the spotlight against Simba, where striker Ashley du Preez missed a late opportunity that could have sealed victory.

Kaze, however, was quick to defend his forward, choosing instead to emphasise the importance of unity and trust within the squad.

“I won’t say it’s normal, but it happens in football — accidents happen,” he said.

“He was devastated after the game because he knew how important that moment was, but as coaches and as a club, we’re here to support him. It’s easy to throw stones at someone who hasn’t done well, but Ashley has helped us so much in previous games.

“I remember his last-minute goal against Sundowns in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup last season — that goal took us to the final and eventually to the title. The most important thing now is to support him, he has got a strong mentality and I’m confident he’ll bounce back very quickly.”