Kaizer Chiefs signed Tanzanian vice-skipper Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko to bolster their midfield options. Was he really a necessary addition?
Did Kaizer Chiefs need to sign Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko?
Central midfield is where football matches are won or lost. In the modern game, midfielders need to do more than just attack or defend. Often, players need to do the job of a 6 and an 8 all at once. That’s not to say that specialists no longer have a place in the sport, but versatility is important. New boy Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko is a specialist DM but lacks the attacking instincts to add dynamism to the Chiefs engine room. Right now, Lebo Maboe and Siphesihle Ndlovu are Fernando Da Cruz’s preferred pairing in his 343 system because both can pick a final pass.
Maboe has been calling the tune for Chiefs
Lebohang Maboe, in particular, has been the fulcrum for Kaizer Chiefs this season. With a goal and two assists already, the 31-year-old sets the tempo, with Ndlovu’s tireless running and inclination to get ahead of the ball acting as the perfect foil for his playmaking abilities. Bitegeko isn’t going to get into the side anytime soon. Maboe has a couple of years left in him at the top level, while Ndlovu is two years his junior. At 27, Bitegeko is at an age where he wants to be playing regular football. Will he get that wish at Chiefs?
Predicted Chiefs XI vs Polokwane City
Da Cruz will persist with his 3-4-3 system, utilising Pule Mmodi as a left wing-back. Young attacking trio Duba, Vilakazi and Shabalala are likely to start again. Meanwhile, Maboe has been starring as the conductor, dovetailing with the industry of Ndlovu, who has also shown glimpses of creativity in the final third.
Petersen; Kwinika, Miguel, Moloisane; Solomons, Ndlovu, Maboe, Mmodi; Vilakazi, Duba, Shabalala.
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