Philli‘s preferred position overlaps with fellow rising Kaizer Chiefs star Asanele Velebayi. It creates a fascinating tactical puzzle.
The arrival of Phili gives Amakhosi another exciting attacking option. However, the new signing and Velebayi are both right-footed left wingers. Both players perform at their best from the same position.
FERNANDO DA CRUZ FACES A TACTICAL PUZZLE
Coaches always want their best players on the pitch together. Da Cruz must now find a way to unlock two of South Africa’s brightest young talents without disrupting his team’s balance.
Football history is filled with players who successfully reinvented themselves to solve similar selection dilemmas.
Thierry Henry started as a left winger before becoming one of Arsenal’s greatest strikers. Cristiano Ronaldo evolved from an explosive winger into a deadly central forward.
Da Cruz faces a different challenge. Both Phili and Velebayi have already been used on the right wing and as No. 10s during their careers. Neither player consistently produced his best football in those roles.
On the right flank, they lose the angle to cut inside onto their stronger right foot. Through the middle, they lose the space needed to accelerate at defenders. Both players thrive when attacking from the left wing.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou faced a similar challenge last season. The final solution saw Relebohile Mofokeng move to the number 10, role Oswin Appollis took the left-wing, though he became a left-midfielder/second 10.
KAIZER CHIEFS NEED A CREATIVE SOLUTION
With a straightforward positional switch unlikely to succeed, Da Cruz may have to think differently.
One solution is to let Phili and Velebayi rotate positions during matches. Constant movement between the flanks could make Kaizer Chiefs more unpredictable while allowing both players to attack from their preferred side.
Another option is to overload the left flank. One player could stay wide while the other operates in a left-sided midfield role, creating numerical superiority in that area of the pitch.
The final option is to rotate the pair based on form, fitness and the opposition. While it would mean leaving one on the bench, it would also ensure both remain fresh throughout the Betway Premiership campaign.
If Fernando Da Cruz finds the right solution, Kaizer Chiefs could build one of the most exciting and unpredictable attacking units in the Betway Premiership.
