Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena believes that Kaizer Chiefs have improved after signing Khama Billiat and Lebogang Manyama, saying that their acquisitions make up for the loss of Steve Komphela, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Chiefs endured a difficult season in the 2017-18 campaign as they failed to win a trophy, extending their drought to three seasons.
Komphela ultimately lost his job after the fans turned on him for failing to meet the high standards they place on the team.
The Amakhosi, however, clearly showed their intent in the off-season as they secured the blockbuster signings of Billiat and Manyama, while also bringing in Andriamirado ‘Dax’ Andrianarimanana, Letlhogonolo Mirwa, Virgil Vries, Mario Booysen and Godfrey Walusimbi.
Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s Soweto derby at the FNB Stadium, Mokwena admitted that he believes the quality signings have improved Chiefs dramatically and have helped them overcome the loss of Steve Komphela’s tactical and organisational influence.
‘In losing from a technical leadership perspective [with Komphela’s exit], I think technically with regards to the personnel they have made huge strides and they have improved drastically,’ said the assistant coach.
‘With the acquisitions that they have made, the players that they have brought in have probably gone on to cover for the lack of technical expertise on the bench that was there last season [with Komphela].
‘The players they have brought in have taken the technical qualitative perspective with regards to the playing personnel has really really improved.
‘It’s not to say that the players that were there last season are not as good as the ones that are currently there, but obviously, and you have heard [Giovanni] Solinas say this also numerous times. I mean you bring Khama Billiat to Kaizer Chiefs, you bring Lebogang Manyama to Kaizer Chiefs, [Leonardo] Castro is there, you have made huge strides in improving the team.
‘It’s not just improving the depth or the numbers, but bringing in quality players into any different moment and it will influence results,’ concluded Mokwena.
Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
