Steve’s new hope for goals
COLLINS Mbesuma scored more goals (14) than all of Kaizer Chiefs’ strikers combined in the Absa Premiership last season. No wait! Forget about Mbesuma. Leonardo Castro, who did not even start the season with Mamelodi Sundowns, scored more goals (10) than Amakhosi’s strikers. Let that sink in. One of Steve Komphela’s biggest headaches in his first season as Amakhosi coach last term was the striking department and the number of chances they failed to convert. After terminating the contract of Bongani Ndulula and putting Siphelele Mthembu and Edward Manqele on the transfer list, Chiefs have brought in the Zimbabwean duo of Edmore Chirambadare and Michelle Katsvairo, Zambia’s Lewis Macha and Multichoice Diski Challenge sensation Emmanuel Letlotlo from their development as options in attack.
Mthembu wasted far too many chances in front of goal, Ndulula spent almost his entire time on the bench, while Manqele might feel he deserved another chance to prove himself after a few decent performances.
Manqele, however, could still be part of the team in the new season if he does not get offers from other clubs.
“We cast our eyes far and wide to ensure we brought the kind of players we believe will quickly adjust to our style of play. We truly believe in Lewis’ talent,” said Komphela, who will be without Togolese striker Camaldine Abraw for nine months due to injury.
“The players we have announced are very exciting. There are a number of changes in the team. We have to get the chemistry quickly so that we can get results. We are happy with the quality the new attackers will add to the team in the coming season. We will get to see them during pre-season.”
Amakhosi unveiled mostly strikers and defensive minded players on Monday, but there’s still a need for a creative midfielder to bolster their team for the upcoming season.
Komphela, however, feels he has enough creativity in his midfield, with Siphiwe Tshabalala and George Lebese as his go-to men.
But Lebese who was the club’s top scorer, will have to improve immensely after the disappointing season he had last term despite a bright start. “The players we have provide creativity. Looking at the way we play, our creativity comes from wide players, where even our wing backs play wide. We have enough creativity in the team,” said Komphela.