Kaizer Chiefs face a crucial CAF Confederation Cup fixture against Zamalek, knowing one point will be enough to secure a quarterfinal spot.
Amakhosi put themselves in a good position after three consecutive wins over ZESCO United (home and away) and Al Masry in Polokwane on Sunday.
TSEPO MASILELA SUGGESTS WINNING APPROACH
While Kaizer Chiefs have shown improvement in recent matches, questions remain around the team’s tactical approach in high-pressure away games.
According to Tsepo Masilela, a major selection debate ahead of the match revolves around how Amakhosi line up in midfield and attack, particularly the role of Mduduzi Shabalala.
Masilela feels Kaizer Chiefs still need players who can make runs beyond the defence, even if a more cautious approach is required. Speaking on Soccer Beat, Masilela explained how he would set up the team against the Egyptian giants:
“In the next game, I would stick to a four-man defence,” Masilela said. “I see a Pule Mmodi that works for the team. He drops back to help in the defending.
“I am tempted to say I would play a three-man midfield without a 10. More like a 4-3-3. Just to control the midfield. But again, I can’t leave [Mduduzi Shabaalal] Shabba out of that team. With him. He is the only one who makes those runs behind.
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“We used to have a Siyabonga Nkosi as a 10. He was a 10 that could play the final pass. When you look at Shabba, he is a 10 that can break the lines.
“You have different types of 10s. Depending on the system structure. So a Shabba can play slightly wide [as part of the front three].
“If I see we are getting problems, then I can revert to a 5-3-2 or 3-5-2, with three central defenders, but I would not start with that system, but it invites the pressure and trouble, the opponents come at you.
“So I would play three-man midfield, but I would not leave Shabba out. I need him to break the lines with those runs,” Masilela concluded.
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