Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane aims to kick on from where they left off before the FIFA World Cup break but he’s wary of Golden Arrows’ flexibility and stubbornness.
Chiefs will visit an Arrows side at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (15:30), who just like the Soweto giants, signed off for the World Cup break by beating a sorry looking Maritzburg United.
Chiefs closed off the two months break by beating their nemesis Orlando Pirates 1-0 late in October.
But Arrows have proved to be tough nut to crack for Chiefs, with the Durban-based side winning both league matches last season.
But Zwane aims to change things around and regain momentum quickly.
“We just want to continue where we left off in terms of the performance, with the hope that we still have the same rhythm, as we are starting to get to know each other very well,” said Zwane, who will be without Njabulo Blom who was transferred to St Louis City in the MLS.
“The chemistry is also getting better, as is the approach of the players, which has also been key. We were building up good momentum and we now have to start afresh.
“What is key right now is to try and grind out the results, in terms of getting to go back to how we played our last game. It’s not going to be easy.”
Zwane knows well how Arrows are not an easy side to play against, as he was found wanting in April. The Durban club applied pressing traps up top that Chiefs, especially defender Njabulo Ngcobo, struggled to build from the back.
Chiefs last time beat Arrows was in June last year in the 2020/21 season when their former player Lebogang Manyama scored a hat-trick.
That match Zwane was the caretaker coach as Chiefs nestled into the top eight after they fired Gavin Hunt.
“Golden Arrows are a difficult team to play against,” admitted Zwane.
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“They are very strong in their build up, and can vary their game and play long and short. They have very mobile players in their squad and have tactical flexibility in their final third entry.
“They are very good in one versus one situations, as well. They’re clinical. We are playing against a team who are very good going forward and who also have a very good defence. It’s going to be a mountain to climb for us, but we will be ready come the game on Saturday.”
