Category Archives: PSL

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

With the 2020-21 DSTV Premiership campaign drawing to a close, we decided to rank the very best players in the league. This week we start with ranking the best central midfielders in the PSL.

We’ll rank each player on four abilities that are important for every central midfielder.

Tactically: Positioning, availability to receive the ball, finding space and work rate.

Technically: Ball control, long and short passes, vision, shooting, and strength on the ball.

Attack: Ability to create chances and score goals.

Defence: Ability to break up opposition attacks, tackle and recover to assist the defence.

10. Siyethemba Sithebe

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

Over the seasons Siyethemba Sithebe was known to be more of a number 10. But, this season Amazulu coach Benni McCarthy has played him more like a 6 alongside Makhehlene Makhaula. He is still learning the position but he has played well enough to earn a spot in the top 10 central midfielders in the PSL. 

Tactically:  6/10

Technically: 6/10

Attack: 8/10

Defence: 6/10

= 26/40

9. Gladwin Shitolo

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

Gladwin Shitolo is a versatile midfielder. In his previous teams, he has played as a central defender and as a full-back but his best position is as a defensive midfielder. Shitolo’s primary role is to act as a shield to the Golden Arrows defence and goalkeeper, harrying attackers and committing fouls

Tactically: 7/10

Technically: 6/10

Attack: 6/10

Defence: 8/10

= 27/40


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8. Musa Nyatama

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

Musa Nyatama is the oldest player on this list which means he has a lot of experience. In his younger days, Nyatama was an attacking midfielder. He converted into a holding midfielder in latter years and played his best football in the position under coach Milutin Sredojević at Orlando Pirates from 2017-2020. Nyatama now controls the midfield of Moroka Swallows. A team that has performed better than expected in their first season back in the PSL after 6 seasons. 

Tactically: 8/10

Technically: 7/10

Attack: 7/10

Defence: 7/10

= 29/40

7. Thabo Nodada

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

Thabo Nodada has performed well in an underwhelming season for the Citizens. He is skilful, incredible in attack, useful in defence and packs a powerful shot. 

Tactically: 7/10

Technically: 8/10

Attack: 8/10

Defence: 7/10

= 30/40

6. Sipho Mbule

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

One of the youngest players on this list and one of the most sort after. He is technically very good. His technic of passing and setpieces are exceptional and he pitches in with goals too. Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs are said to be preparing million rand bids for the youngster. 

Tactically: 7/10

Technically: 8/10

Attack: 8/10

Defence: 7/10

= 30/10

 


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10 Reasons Gavin Hunt’s Kaizer Chiefs Is Performing So Bad

Gavin Hunt’s first season at Kaizer Chiefs has been, to put it politely, underwhelming. It may be fitting to call it a disaster, here are the 10 reasons why:

1. Not Being Able To Sign Players

Kaizer Chiefs were unable to sign players for the last two transfer windows due to a FIFA transfer ban. It’s always difficult for a new coach to succeed at a new team without being able to make personnel changes that he sees fit. 

2. The Goalkeeping Situation

Gavin Hunt’s two goalkeeping options at Kaizer Chiefs: Daniel Akpeyi and Itumeleng Khune, have not performed well this season. Akpeyi is known to have butterfingers and Khune this season has made some uncharacteristic mistakes that cost them points. In addition to their goalkeeping errors, Gavin Hunt constant rotation of the two could not be helping the situation. 


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3. Defensive Mistakes 

Gavin Hunt has lamented the mistakes of his defence. Nowadays, it has become too easy to score against Kaizer Chiefs. Should we blame the defensive coaching or should we blame the lack of quality defenders? We do not have the answer to that question yet. 

4. Kaizer Chief’s Squad’s Confidence

Gavin Hunt adopted a team that was low on confidence. After being on top of the table for 90% of the 2019/2020 season, Kaizer Chiefs lost the league title on the last matchday to Mamelodi Sundowns. That must have been a traumatic experience for most of the squad. Players low on confidence second guess every decision they make on the field. They would be better suited to play on instinct. 

5. No Supporters Being Allowed in the Stadium

It may not be a big deal for other DSTV Premiership teams but it is for Kaizer Chiefs. Amakhosi supporters pack stadiums where ever their team plays. Crowd support plays a role in giving confidence to players. 

6. Gavin Hunt’s Rigid Tactics

Kaizer Chiefs have become somewhat predictable under coach Gavin Hunt. All you have to do as an opposing coach is put your best defender on their centre forward (Castro or Nurkovic) set your team up narrow, force them to go wide, and be the first man to the ball when they cross it. 

7. Kaizer Chief’s Experienced Players Under-Performing

Itumeleng Khune, Samir Nurković, Lebogang Manyama, Willard Katsande (in his defence, he has hardly played), Eric Mathoho, Daniel Akpeyi, and Benard Parker have all had sub-par seasons. 


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8. Gavin Hunt Playing Players in Wrong Positions

Daniel Cardoso is not a central midfielder, Njabulo Blom is not a central midfielder, Siyabonga Ngezana is not a fullback. 

9. Gavin Hunt Playing Players That Are Off Form

As mentioned before, some of his senior players have not come to the party but Gavin Hunt has insisted on playing them and not going other players a chance. 

10. Gavin Hunt’s Reliance On Samir Nurkovic and Castro

It may be that Gavin Hunt needs them for his game plan but there doesn’t seem to be a plan B. Both strikers are target men who are physical and good headers of the ball but they are one-dimensional. Kaizer Chiefs may need another strategy to employ when their strikers aren’t having the best of games. 

By Cheez

Don’t forget to tune into ‘The Soccer Podcast With No Name’ podcast every Thursdays at 17h00 pm. Also follow me on TwitterFacebookTikTok, and Instagram.

 

Match Highlights: Josef Zinnbauer’s Orlando Pirates Fail To Score Enough Goals – Again

Orlando Pirates have found it difficult to score goals lately. Their lack of goal scoring began at the tail end of last season and bled to the beginning of the new season. Coach Zinnbauer has changed the combinations for his Orlando Pirates team but they still don’t seem to have the cutting edge. Orlando Pirates have signed quality players in the transfer window and the pressure will be on the German coach to produce some form of silverware this season.

 

 

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We Might Know Whats Wrong With Chiefs But What’s Up With Sundowns?

Drama. That’s the one word I use to describe this weekend’s installment of the PSL title race. Actually, now that I think about it, the word should be ‘comedy’ because as a neutral I was laughing at the unfortunate circumstances Chiefs and Sundowns both found themselves in.😆😆

Log leaders Kaizer Chiefs lost 1-0 via a 94th-minute Bidvest Wits goal. Sundowns wasted a chance to leapfrog Amakhosi for the first time this season when they too lost 0-1 to a relegation threaten Baroka FC a few hours later.


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It seems as though both teams are choking when the pressure is at its highest. The dip in form for Kaizer Chiefs doesn’t come as a surprise to me. No, I am not psychic. Chiefs are not much of an offensive threat and their defence has holes in it. Sundowns, on the other hand, are more of an interesting story. They are the reigning champions. They have been here before. Their last two championship-winning seasons went down to the wire. That team managed to win important games at the business end of the season. This team is floundering against the likes of Baroka (no offence).

We will never know what is going on behind the scenes but there is clearly something wrong with Sundowns. Chiefs faults may be bigger so Sundowns may win the championship by default.

By @chizfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)

Sundowns Park The Bus Against Chiefs – And It Worked

Last night Mamelodi Sundowns beat Kaizer Chiefs to go level on points with Amakhosi on top the PSL log. As interesting as the result may be the intriguing part of it is how they did it.

Well, maybe I shouldn’t use the word ‘intriguing’ because scoring one goal and then defending it for the rest of the game isn’t ‘intriguing’ at all. It’s actually quite negative and boring.  But what made it fascinating was who was doing it.

Mamelodi Sundowns came into yesterday’s game knowing that anything less than a win would surely mean the end of their title hopes. Pitso Mosimane tried convincing us in his pre-match interview that the game ‘isn’t a title decider‘. We didn’t fall for his lousy acting and figured Sundowns would come out guns blazing.

Surprisingly, they didn’t. In the first half, Downs only used four players (Sirino, Zwane, Meza, and Mkhulise) in attack whilst the rest of the team stayed behind the ball. It seemed as though Pitso may have been playing not lose the game rather than to win it. 


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In the 34th minute, Gaston Sirino caught the Chiefs defense napping when he ran onto the end of Zwane’s clever flick to score. This is when Pitso called for the team’s bus driver to park the team bus in front of their goal for the remainder of the match. Chiefs huffed and puffed but they could blow the Sundowns mansion down.

Parking the bus is not a new thing in football. I hate it, but teams have to do what they have to do. I, however, didn’t expect it from a team with the most talented squad in the league who also happen to the defending champions. This is the most negative I’ve seen Sundowns play and was disappointed.

Kaizer Chiefs are still top of the log on goal difference but have the tougher last three-game. Last night’s match sealed the fate of the championship. Sundowns will be crowned champions.

By @chizfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)

Chiefs v Sundowns: Who Has The Upper Hand Going Into Tonight’s Title Decider?

Tonight log leaders Kaizer Chiefs face second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership title decider. Kaizer Chiefs are at the top of the PSL table with 53 points, Mamelodi Sundowns are behind them by 3 points. 

Like I said yesterday, I believe if Sundowns win this game, they win the title. If Kaizer Chiefs win this game, they win the title. If this game ends in a draw, Kaizer Chiefs win the title.

Let me start off by stating the obvious, Mamelodi Sundowns need the 3 points more than Kaizer Chiefs do. This should worry Pitso Mosimane because his team has been trash post-lockdown. They recorded one loss, three draws, and only one win. That’s 6 out of a possible 15 points.


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BUT! Sundowns go into this title decider after a morale-boosting win against a negative Golden Arrows team on Monday. Sundowns haven’t clicked in attack as of yet but the team has started playing better in the past couple of games.

Kaizer Chiefs have had an equally disappointing post lockdown run, picking up 5 from a possible 12. In all fairness, Ernst Middendorp’s team had been below standard even before the Coronavirus. It seems as though teams have figured out their one-dimensional play of crosses and set pieces.

Speaking of set pieces, tonight they will be without Samir Nurković and Leonardo Castro. The loss of their aerial threat from set-plays is a huge loss for Kaizer Chiefs. 

Sundowns have struggled to breakdown teams with well-structured defences. They have even struggled even more to stop teams from catching them on the counter-attack.  Will Ernst Middendorp is brave enough to replace his two good but slow strikers with an average but pacier attack. Kambole, Billiat, and Zuma might do the trick. Scrapping the 3-5-2 for a 4-3-3, and playing on the counter-attack.

With all that being said, you’d have to say Mamelodi Sundowns has the edge going into the game. Kaizer Chiefs confidence is low and their defence leaks goals for fun. They have conceded 7 goals in their 4 bubble games. Chiefs have scored 6 on the other end but four of them have been from through set-pieces and they are without two of their best headers of the ball. I don’t see how Chiefs will score and how they will keep out one of the best attacks in the league. 

By @chizfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)

Chiefs v Sundowns: Absa Premiership Cup Final

Let’s begin by getting the ‘facts’ out of the way. If Sundowns win this game, they win the title. If Kaizer Chiefs win this game, they win the title. If this game ends in a draw, Kaizer Chiefs win the title. As you can see Mamelodi Sundowns need to win this game more than Kaizer Chiefs does. 

You: “…but after the game, there will still be three games left to play so…’🤷🏿‍♂️

Yes, I know but the result of this game will do one of two things: crush Kaizer Chiefs’ flakey moral or deal a death blow to Mamelodi Sundowns’ confidence. I don’t see any team recovering from an unfavourable result plus I’m a psychic. 

As the title says this is a cup final. Do or die. Wafa-wafa. Sure, Kaizer Chiefs have the advantage because they don’t need to win BUT, they’d be foolish to go in this looking for a draw. Mamelodi Sundowns got lucky on Monday with their last gasp win against Golden Arrows. Their confidence will be reaching its peak. 


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Kaizer Chiefs as currently constructed cannot match Sundowns pound for pound. They’d get knocked out before the first water break. It’s not that Chiefs don’t have good players, it’s just that they have not being utilized correctly (that’s another story for another writer).

The suspension of their leading goal scorer Samir Nurković and striker Leonardo Castro’s injury concerns are big blows. However, Sundowns aren’t great at defending quick counter-attacks. Ernst Middendorp may choose to replace the unavailable strikers with forwards that have pace.  

We’ll chat more about which team has the upper hand going into the huge clash tomorrow.

By @chizfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)

John Comitis ‘If we don’t resume [the PSL], there’s going to be problems…’

It seems as though the last time we saw a football game played in South Africa the most popular phone was a Nokia 3310 and watching wrestling was cool. Cape Town City chairperson John Comitis thinks that bad things are going to happen if the PSL doesn’t resume soon.

“If we don’t resume, there’s going to be problems. Sponsors are going to start asking questions – like our own sponsors are asking questions,” 

“We are hoping that we will return to football, because we are going to suffer (if we don’t)…

“We’ve been training via zoom and until we were given permission to get back to training. We’ve been training for the past three months. The players are getting frustrated.

“The entire industry is getting frustrated. It is not nice. The coaches are getting fired. We are aimlessly training for nothing.

“We are hopeful that sanity will prevail and (we will) return to business, like other businesses that have been allowed to return.

“We’ve been told to get ready. We need to wait for PSL and SAFA to finalise what is going to happen.”

I feel you, John.


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His old team Ajax Cape Town has more to lose than many other clubs. John Comitis former side sitting pretty atop the NDF table and will surely be promoted to the PSL. That’s if, of course, the season resumes.

City Press reports the majority of club owners have called for the current campaign to be declared null and void without handing over the trophy to PSL log leaders Kaizer Chiefs. That would mean no relegation and play-offs for teams that are currently sitting on position 16 and 15. Ajax Cape Town would not be promoted while no team will be relegated to the ABC Motsepe League.

It was reported by Sun Sport that the real reason SAFA  is hesitant for green-lighting the league campaign is because, according to stand-in CEO Tebogo Motlanthe, ‘SAFA doesn’t want to be blamed for anything that could go wrong if football…’

Motlanthe suggests the association isn’t convinced that the league has complied with all the new regulations as set out by the government and the Joint Liaison Committee.

I still believe the league will resume. SAFA and the PSL have too much to lose. Like John Comitis said, the more we wait the more devasting the consequences on the whole football structure. SAFA cannot afford that. They are already seen as incompetent by many. The PSL and their teams need to follow correct COVID-19 regulations. Then I think it will be all systems go. 🤞🏽

‘We are a business’: Irvin Khoza on the return of the PSL return…

The PSL return is soon. Around the beginning of August. The 1st to be exact. Well, that’s at least what Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairperson Irvin Khoza is proposing.

The league was supposed to return on the 18th of July but the PSL failed to reach an agreement with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the ‘unavailability of match officials’.

As much as I’m sure Irvin Khoza and his board love watching football this has more to do with as he put it ‘business’.

On Monday Khoza held a press conference where he said that‚ while Fifa will accept a 2019/20 season going past August 31 if informed‚ the league sees such a cut-off date as essential due to pressing financial concerns.


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“That is why it is urgent for us to (restart the season) because beyond the 30th of June we won’t be able to pay the clubs their grants and if that happens it means we must now revert back to section 189 for retrenchments‚” said Khoza.

“That is the reality of the situation‚ it has been stressful for the clubs. Some of the clubs took it upon themselves to do some kind of dealings with the players by asking for reductions of about 30 to 40 percent of their packages.

“The unfortunate part is that from the 30th of June‚ that was the last time we get the grant. What we find is the new season going forward and the sponsors at this point in time‚ especially the broadcaster‚ for the last three months they have allowed for us to pay and be paid without asking questions in terms of what we are giving in return.

“What we have done as the PSL is that we have made sure that we stick to what we promised the players until the 30th of June. I also want to thank Fifa for allowing us to engage the players and the Players Union that they must corporative for sporting integrity.

“All the clubs must play and finish the season with a full complement of the players. Hence we have extended from the 30th of June to the 30th of July‚ but we went beyond that as the PSL to the 30th of August.”