It may not come as much of a surprise, but Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze insists his side just needs to start scoring goals before they see big improvement.
Despite their lack of goals, Chiefs find themselves in fourth place on the log in the Betway Premiership, after four wins and four draws and a loss.
However, Chiefs have scored the fewest goals of all the teams in the top five. The Soweto Giants have scored just eight times in nine matches.
For comparison, top-placed Mamelodi Sundowns have banged in 17, Sekhukhune United in second have netted 13 times and Orlando Pirates have struck on 13 occasions. Even Durban City, who are positioned one spot below Chiefs, have scored more goals, with their tally of 10.
It came as no revelation then, when Kaze said midweek after their goalless draw with Siwelele: “Every team has challenges, and we have to admit right now that our biggest challenge is scoring goals.
“The only thing that is lacking right now is scoring goals.”
Of course, Kaze was mostly speaking about the fact that his charges created a lot of chances during the match.
“Not everything is negative because we are not leaking goals at the back.
“With that being said, it’s true that we are looking at every possibility to make things happen. Today, we brought the likes of (Etiosa) Ighodaro and (Mfundo) Vilakazi.
“Probably, next time we are going to incorporate some other players and try some other combinations. Because we are indeed dropping points, and we don’t want to allow the big gap between us and the other teams.”
Still, it seems Chiefs have a rather simple problem. Fixing it though, seems more complicated.
Chiefs' strike force has been a topic of much discussion, with the current crop showing mixed early returns in the new season. Flávio Silva appears to be the most promising so far, contributing goals and showing potential as the primary forward.
Ashley Du Preez, known for his pace, offers a constant threat and has chipped in with assists, though his goal count remains modest for a main striker.
New signing Ighodaro is yet to truly find his feet, having had limited appearances, but carries the expectation of being a consistent goal-getter. Tashreeq Morris has seen minimal action, often finding himself down the pecking order and still searching for his first consistent impact at the club, despite arriving in January.
Khanyisa Mayo, on a recent loan move, has shown flashes of his quality, scoring on his league debut, but has been criticised for inconsistency. His match fitness, thoug, is also a work in progress.
The overall performance suggests Chiefs are still seeking a truly dominant and consistent goal-scoring centre-forward to lead their attack.
Youngster Wandile Duba is a source of hope, demonstrating a willingness to challenge for the number one striker spot, but in the current league season, he is primarily on one assist. Glody Lilepo has also been involved, registering one league goal, showcasing his presence in the attack but he needs to enforce more direct goal-involvement instead of focusing on wing-play like a modern-day fullback.
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