Kaizer Chiefs recently suffered a 2-1 loss in their opening CAF Confederation Cup game against Al-Masry of Egypt.
This was Chiefs’ first game since an impressive 4-1 win over Orbit College in the Betway Premiership last month.
Chiefs youngsters on form
In that game young players in Mduduzi Shabalala, Mfundo Vilakazi and Asanele Velebayi shone for Chiefs. While the likes of Aden McCarthy were solid in defence. Shabalala scored a brace and earned the Man of the Match award, while Vilakazi scored a worldie. Velebayi was ever so lively and kept the Orbit defenders honest.
But as Chiefs travelled to Egypt, only Shabalala started in their loss to Al-Masry. Vilakazi and Velebayi made impacts from the bench while McCarthy stayed in South Africa. Now speaking to Soccer-Laduma following that result, a club insider vents about the team selection.
“If Sundowns, with all due respect, if Sundowns had met Al Masry, Sundowns would have beaten them by five. I mean, there was nothing there. I mean, look at the two goals they scored. Even that penalty was not supposed to be a penalty,” said the Chiefs source.
He then also bemoaned the lack of trust in youth from Chiefs coaches as oppose to arch rivals Orlando Pirates.
Coaches don’t trust Vilakazi, Velebayi and McCarthy
“But let’s talk about the coaches. What selection is there? No, but wait. What is Pule (Mmodi) and Ashley Du (Preez) doing on the pitch? That’s what I’m asking. And you take out Mfundo (Vilakazi) who has been playing well. Vilakazi did well, even the assist yesterday came from him. But even after that, even he created some clear chances. I mean the coaches don’t trust the youngsters. If Jose Riveiro was their coach (at Pirates) how far those boys will be? Look what he did with Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Mohau Nkota. Look at what he did to them! Those boys were in the DDC, my man. They were in the DDC and look at where they are now. What I’m saying is that he made them regulars,” concluded the Chiefs insider.
Thoughts on team selection Makhosi?
Chiefs fans, were the coaches right to start with experience? or should they have just trusted youth from the start? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.