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The coach, four times PSL champion, explained how Amakhosi should be the best team without the ball
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Gavin Hunt is pleased with his team’s performance against Chippa United ahead of this weekend’s Soweto Derby.
Amakhosi beat Chippa United 1-0 to record their first win of the new 2020/21 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season on Tuesday night.
Gregory Damons’ late own goal sealed the victory for the Chiefs, who returned to winning ways after succumbing to an embarrassing 3-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns over the weekend.
Hunt praised Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Njabulo Blom, Siyabonga Ngezana and Philani Zulu as he felt Amakhosi seemed like a suitable team for the first time.
“Tonight, for the first time, I think we looked like a proper football team. I thought Njabulo Blom in midfield was outstanding. And that’s the difference,” Hunt said. SuperSport TV.
“We have some legs there. Ngcobo for me, I think he’s a great player.
“But the whole team for me, I think defensively he looked good. Siya came in, he did better, Zulu I worked with him for a day or two as a left back, we had to do what we had to do. It was fantastic.”
The 56-year-old strategist explained why he was seen urging his charges to keep the ball off the ground during the game.
“There was a lot of room on the sides. Their wings were really aggressive towards our players. Obviously, there were big spaces on the sides.
“So once we turn to the center-backs, we have a chance. The field was very greasy, so you had to be careful.
“We seemed like a suitable team tonight, but let’s see if we can do it next week and next week.”
Chippa goalkeeper Veli Mothwa produced a Man of the Match performance in a game that was dominated by Chiefs.
“We created so many opportunities tonight. Let’s be honest, we hit the post multiple times,” explained the former Bidvest Wits coach.
“That second half there should have been a five-minute patch where the goalie made four or five saves. You think it will be one of those games where they have half the chance.
“But to be fair, we looked really solid and a lot better off possession. And I’ve always said that to be a good team, you have to be the best team without the ball.”
The Chiefs will face their archrivals Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
