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 Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.