Downs v Chiefs: Fans in for tactical treat

CHIEFS’ FLICKERING TAIL

Any club’s revival is a beautiful thing. And a possible Chiefs revival means a lot for football in Mzansi. Thus, all associated with the badge will welcome any oxygen supplied to Chiefs. Suddenly, a spirit of resuscitation engulfed Naturena Village and its myriad of supporters.

This revival stems from a bold approach by its hierarchy to make amendments to the technical bench and their playing entourage. Even the youth development programme oozes with hope following resounding success in the recent junior competitions. Regeneration, rebuilding, and rebooting are the new terminology many in the club use.

But it’s their newfound playing panache, and the marauding (3-0) win midweek against Maritzburg that has their supporters buzzing. Although they stuttered in the opening loss (0-1) away at the enterprising Royal AM, their recovery mode has been activated.

Interestingly, the team’s tail is up like a pendulum. From head coach Arthur Zwane to the players and leadership, their tails are flickering non-stop. This waging tail is evident in their technical arrogance, the way they caress the ball, and vivid ball rotation with substance. Controlling the direction and the intensity of the tail is Zwane himself, who pronounces that they will enter the Versfeld cathedral with the tail flickering sideways and upwards.

And you cannot blame them, as celebration and confidence have been taboo in their ranks. But the flickering tail must observe tactical discipline and respect to the wounded foe that awaits them in the Jacaranda City.

AMAKHOSI’S TACTICAL TRANSFORMATION

The bravery of the Chiefs’ tactical approach must be commended. Amakhosi’s tactical transformation is apparent and planned. Although in its infancy stage, the tactical blueprint is slowly manifested. The playing personnel continues to embrace the new formula and ideas from the technical novices. The players’ receptive intentions and will to learn remain strong. The integration of the latest and old brigade looks smooth and seamless.

Under Zwane, Chiefs have adopted a 3-5-2 attacking approach. The defensive troop is tasked to initiate a structured build-up play and progress the ball into the midfield zone. Possession is carefully protected; midfield movements and decisive incisions are always manifested. A mixture of false nine, attacking dualism, and usage of attacking spaces reveals the offensive options in the attacking third.

The speed in the attacking sphere is frightening. Creative juices are slowly resurfacing. Khama Billiat, Ashley du Preez, and Keegan Dolly are building attacking chemistry with sheer movement, guile, and telepathic understanding. However, the test is to unleash this attacking breeze against a top continental team (Sundowns).

WOUNDED CHAMPIONS

Sundowns are a class act. They possess a superior squad composition and are a pedigreed outfit. Downs are built differently from the rest of the South African professional clubs. Sundowns is a CAF Champions League team, and its recruitment strategy attests to that. Their ambitions and objectives transcend the domestic league. Hence, there expected to roll over every opposition at home.

A home loss (0-1) against a well-oiled TS Galaxy has rattled their nest. Galaxy provided a tactical template to defend against Downs. The ‘Rockets’ instituted a low defensive block and counterattacked at every opportunity to hurt the champions. Weaknesses in their rest defence were magnified.

The central pairing of Rushine de Reuck and Brian Onyango was jittery and slow in dealing with the Galaxy attack. Movements and ideas in and around the box evaporated. Introducing new and battled scarred personnel failed to ignite their attacking impetus in front of their demanding supporters.

Chiefs will be meeting a wounded Downs. And an injured Sundowns will come out guns blazing to avoid a repeat of the Galaxy shock.

DOWNS TACTICAL FLEXIBILITY

Playing Downs remains a daunting assignment. Downs is the only league team that follows a systematic playing philosophy. Sundowns’ abundance of playing riches afford them the tactical viability and competence to deploy anyone at will. The signing of talented Ethiopian Abubaker Nassir highlights the tactical diversity and attacking machinery at their disposal. Furthermore, the enigmatic midfield maestro Andile Jali only joined the party against Galaxy in the second stanza and will be fresh and itching to thwart and direct play from the central corridor against Amakhosi.

Their approach centres on possession play, fluid inter-passing, complex movements, and tactical freedom. Possession is geared to stabilise the build-up schemes and entrench dominance. Interpassing generates the necessary fluidity in their characteristic play. By occupying the optional spaces in the attacking phase, Downs offensive tactical complexity is achieved. Lastly, all players are allowed the freedom to occupy and encroach on any tactical areas beneficial to the team.

Peter Shalulile can operate central and lateral in the attacking compartment. His movements are direct, deep, and high as he continues to zoom for opportunities in attack. Although he has gone two matches without a goal, the Chiefs’ defensive antibodies must be primed in time to avoid a massacre. 

TACTICAL CLEAVAGE AT PLAY

This game presents a tactical cleavage for all supporters. In its nature, a cleavage reveals a split between the woman’s breast organs. On sight, it shows the beauty of the woman’s suckling organs. Sometimes it is well supported. Sometimes it’s natural. In some cultures, it’s hidden. In some cultures, it’s encouraged to be seen. It has a sexual appeal and permits the mind to wonder. After all, depending on what you intend to describe, it can assume different names and functions, e.g. splitting, division, crevice, dividing, schism, separating, split, cleft, rift, break, and gap.

So is the game between Downs and Chiefs. From a tactical point of view, supporters will be confronted by a bullish 3-5-2 (Chiefs) against a stylish 4-4-2 (Downs). These supporters will be divided on demanding a win (Chiefs) against those requiring a win in style (Downs). A grudge will separate these supporters from toppling (Chiefs), and a grudge to maintain dominance (Downs).

Like a cleavage, this match’s appeal is unbelievable. Computicket has announced that 45 000 tickets have already been sold. Tactical separation awaits all fans and football lovers, as they are divided by intriguing personnel, magical tactical styles, and history beyond our wildest imagination.