Kaizer Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane has addressed the absence of Keagan Dolly and the recent trend of losing the fixture before the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates.
Dolly, who has been the captain for most of the campaign, is likely to miss the remainder of the 2022/23 season after picking up a knee injury and Zwane feels it’s been a constant thorn of his debut season – and something they need to work beyond as it’s out of their control.
With Chiefs set to miss out on the CAF Champions League, the Nedbank Cup final is a chance to secure a place in the CAF Confederation Cup, while the title itself could also end their run of eight years without silverware, and a win on Saturday would set up a tie against Stellenbosch or Sekhukhune United.
“We miss all the players that have been injured, not only Keagan, more especially when you’re looking to create chemistry. I think we started the season promising – hoping by this time of the season, in terms of identity and the way we want to approach games would be clear,” Zwane said.
“Unfortunately, many injuries to key players, suspensions, unforeseen circumstances we couldn’t control, and now we’ve been chopping and changing, having a makeshift defence.
“It’s been an unfortunate season for us, hence I said it’s been the most difficult season for us since I’ve been here due to these [factors].
“Some of these injuries have been happening in training, we couldn’t control that, you go into games, you lose two players, it’s a worrying factor and at some point, when we started getting things right, win two games in a row, then we lose three players.
“It’s been the story of our season but we can’t dwell on that – we have to move on with solutions and a new plan to accommodate everyone.
“We’ve also had other players who haven’t been regulars, you’ve seen [Happy] Mashiane an opportunity to play, KG [Kgaogelo Sekgota] as well, it will bring back their confidence, okay, we lost to [Swallows] but the guys exerted themselves well, I just hope these guys show this character, discipline and tactical endurance against Orlando Pirates.”
Chiefs were on a three game winless run before their first derby victory this season and in the second victory over the Buccaneers, they lost to Golden Arrows before bouncing back.
Now they arrive after a 2-1 loss to Swallows but that’s not something that the Amakhosi boss feels is intentional or perhaps losing focus ahead of the game.
“It’s how you come back after a setback. The loss to Swallows was a setback, but we have learned from it, we moved on and now we’re thinking about Pirates. I hear a lot of people saying about losing games before the Derby and mindset,” Zwane added.
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“I think yes, in terms of stats, it’s there for everyone to see, but for me, that’s perceptions. Why I’m saying that, I don’t [think] there’s any professional player that is part of Chiefs that would want to lose a game before [facing Pirates]. It’s the game that could boost confidence, it helps you to be ready mentally and physically.
“Everyone is looking forward to this game and for the fact that Chiefs and Pirates haven’t clashed in the semi-final in a while, so yes, we’re coming into the game as underdogs. Why? Because Pirates have been doing well and we’ve been blowing hot and cold…
“The players know what’s at stake, it doesn’t need me to motivate them. Chiefs has won this cup 19 times, one of them I was with Chiefs as a player against Pirates, I think in 2006 we won it on penalties and now we want the 20th.
“It will be good for the team, the history of the club and for the players to finish the season on a high, who are new to the set-up.
“It would be good for our supporters and all the stakeholders and those who’ve been there through thick and thin supporting the club and that will be a good build-up for next season.”
The domestic cup semi-final will take place tomorrow afternoon at FNB Stadium, with the Premier Soccer League confirming the game has been sold out.
