TFG SoccerClub senior writer Marshall Gouts selects five things learned from Kaizer Chiefs’ 2-1 loss to Zimamoto in the Caf Confederation Cup.

1. Squad Depth

Giovanni Solinas flexed his squad depth once again, opting for a similar new-look Chiefs outfit who were beaten by Golden Arrows in their most recent clash.

Solinas made two changes to the side that lost to Clinton Larsen’s side, with Siphelele Ntshangase and Ryan Moon being handed starting berths.

The new-look Chiefs side displayed their class in bits and patches, but a 2-1 defeat to lowly Zimamoto is an unacceptable result, regardless of the squad that did duty. The result sees Chiefs advance to the next round of the Caf Confed Cup.

2. Set-pieces:

Chiefs dropped three points in their loss against Arrows, courtesy of two penalties being given away due to careless tackles in the area.

Solinas’ side had clearly not learned their lesson as they went behind with minutes left in the first-half, courtesy of a penalty after yet another ill-timed challenge.

Things went from bad to worse as Chiefs succumbed to a 2-1 loss, with the winner being scored from the penalty spot to pile the misery on Chiefs with regards to their woeful defending in the six-yard area.

Conceding three penalties in two games.

3. Manyama effect:

The former PSL Footballer of the Year is slowly regaining his match fitness after that horrific life-threatening accident which occurred in October.

Initially feared to be out until the end of the year, the former Cape Town City captain made a speedy recovery and is slowly getting back to his best.

Amakhosi fans are yet to see the vintage Manyama show his true form. However, his performance in Zanzibar showed flashes of the old Manyama.

The 28-year-old took his goal well, after latching on to a brilliant pass from Bernard Parker. The goal will give him some much-needed confidence, while another 90 minutes under the belt will greatly help him get back into his best shape.

4. Desired XI:

By the look of things, Solinas is yet to decide on his starting XI, but more importantly, he is yet make up his mind on the tried and trusted combinations that make up the spine of the team.

The former Free State Stars mentor has dabbled with his defence the entire season throughout all competitions, with Eric Mathoho and Teenage Hadebe the latest combination at the heart of the defence.

In the engine room, Mr Champagne pass Ntshangase was paired alongside Willard Katsande, which seems to be two of Solinas’ go-to-guys in the midfield alongside George Maluleka or Hendrick Ekstein.

Out-of-favour striker Ryan Moon got a rare chance upfront and almost justified his inclusion with a goal. However, his second-half strike was controversially disallowed for an infringement.

5. Eric Mathoho injury:

Besides losing 2-1 to lowly Zimamoto, Chiefs still advanced to the next round of the Caf Confederation Cup. Their major injury concern for the already short-staffed Soweto giants is Bafana Bafana international Mathoho as he hobbled off on the hour mark with an injury, to be replaced by starlet Siyabonga Ngezana.

Photo Credit: Kaizer Chiefs Twitter Account