At the start of the season, Kaizer Chiefs made a bold move to strengthen their defense by signing four defenders and a goalkeeper.

The club hoped these fresh faces would provide the much-needed security at the back.

Chiefs reportedly spent a significant amount to bring these players to Naturena, but the improvements haven’t been as immediate as they hoped.

A Fresh Defensive Lineup

The first addition to the squad was Bongani Sam, who arrived from rivals Orlando Pirates.

He was quickly followed by Rushwin Dortley, Fiacre Nwari, Inacio Miguel, and Bradley Cross.

With these signings, it seemed Chiefs were taking strong steps to fix their defensive issues, particularly after a disappointing ninth-place finish in the previous season.

However, despite these new arrivals, Chiefs have found themselves in the same ninth-place position once again.

New coach Nasreddine Nabi has given the new defensive players the chance to start and build chemistry, but they’ve yet to make a significant impact.

Notably, players like Ntwari, Dortley, Miguel, and Cross are still struggling to secure a league clean sheet for the team.

Mokete Tsotetsi’s Take on the Struggles

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Mokete Tsotetsi has stepped forward to offer his perspective on the defensive struggles.

Known for his solid performances during his time at the club, Tsotetsi has backed the current backline, stressing that time and patience are crucial for their success.

“For a goalkeeper to be effective, they need a solid defense in front of them,” Tsotetsi explained.

“Right now, the backline is still new, especially in the central areas. This is why the goalkeepers are conceding goals in almost every match.

The relationship at the back hasn’t had time to develop, which is leading to most of the goals they concede.”

A Plea for Patience

Tsotetsi highlighted that the issue isn’t a lack of talent but rather the absence of an established connection among the players.

He singled out Inacio Miguel as an example, noting the challenges of adjusting to a new environment.

“Miguel is a good center-back, but he’s still settling into the country.

These players need room to make mistakes and learn from them. Constantly changing the lineup only delays their progress,” he said.

Despite the setbacks, Tsotetsi remains optimistic about the defensive unit’s potential.

He firmly believes that with time and consistency, Chiefs’ defense can shine.

“Kaizer Chiefs have some of the best defenders in the league. They just need to gel. Once they do, the results will come,” he concluded.

What Lies Ahead for Chiefs?

The journey to defensive stability will require patience from both the team and its supporters.

With talents like Miguel, Dortley, and Cross in their ranks, Chiefs have the tools to build a formidable backline.

Now, the focus shifts to fostering chemistry and allowing the players to grow together.

If they succeed, the second half of the season could tell a much different story.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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