Kaizer Chiefs are searching for answers in attack, and Pule Mmodi is once again at the centre of the conversation after another quiet game in the 2-1 CAF Confederation Cup defeat to Al Masry.
It was Mmodi’s first start in weeks, yet the 32-year-old failed to grab his opportunity from the left flank.
PULE MMODI STRUGGLING TO INSPIRE KAIZER CHIEFS
Taken off midway through the second half in Suez, his season numbers remain thin: one assist, no goals, and 13 appearances.
With youngsters Asanele Velebayi and Mfundo Vilakazi growing in confidence and trust, Mmodi is drifting further from the starting 11.
FORMER COACH OFFERED BIG SUGGESTION
Former Golden Arrows coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi, who worked closely with Mmodi, believes Kaizer Chiefs have been using the winger incorrectly. Vilakazi’s view, Mmodi can’t offer what Amakhosi need from a wide player.
“As a winger, he’s not delivering what they need,” Vilakazi told Kick Off in October. “He doesn’t cross well with his left foot. At the top level, goals often come from crosses, but maybe that’s not the approach Kaizer Chiefs are using.”
The former player, nicknamed “Kanu” in his playing days, believes Pule Mmodi’s creativity and goal threat would be better used in a central role, operating behind the striker.
“He can beat players on the left, but he struggles with the final delivery from there,” Vilakazi explained. “Chiefs might be unsure what they’re getting in that role. I’ve rarely seen him produce a quality cross with his left foot.”
Although he admits he doesn’t work with the attacker on a daily basis, Vilakazi feels a positional change could unlock Mmodi’s strengths.
“Play him as a number ten and you’ll see the best of him,” he added.
Under Vilakazi at Abafana Bes’thende, Mmodi scored eight goals in 29 matches while playing as an attacking midfielder.
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