Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi has reflected on his highly critiqued first season with the club admitting that it was a tough one not only for his goalkeepers.
Mzoughi came as part of Nasreddine Nabi’s technical team tasked with reawakening a sleeping giant however they finished the season in ninth position with 32 points, a second time outside the top eight in as many seasons.
Chiefs had three keepers last season in Bruce Bvuma, Brandon Petersen and Fiacre Ntwari who conceded 32 goals between themselves in the league.
Mzoughi told www.kaizerchiefs.com that he felt that his keepers made some excellent saves however injuries to defenders also contributed to how things ended.
“It was a tough season, not only for the goalkeepers, but for the whole team,” said Mzoughi.
“We were unlucky with some injuries and suspensions of our defenders, which affected the goalies in particular, and the team in general. Overall, I feel that all our goalkeepers made various excellent saves throughout the season, such as Bruce’s magnificent save against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semis or Brandon’s mature performance in the final.
Meanwhile, Chiefs’ campaign was brightened by the breaking of a ten-year trophy drought when they dethroned rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final with Petersen in goals. Petersen had played second fiddle to Bvuma for the majority of the season and Mzoughi explained that it was a tough call to drop Bvuma and there were other lingering matters.
“It was indeed a tough decision,” continued the Tunisian mentor.
“Bruce had a bit of a lingering calf injury. He wasn’t 100% fit. Brandon was working and training tremendously hard and despite not having played a competitive match in seven months, I asked him ‘are you ready to play a game?’ he looked at me and answered, ‘I am ready’.
“The rest is history.”
Mzoughi also insisted some of the criticism of his goalkeepers has been too much, and he has asked for “more love” from the Amakhosi faithful.
“Our supporters can be very demanding, and, rightly so, as we are big Club,” he added.
“But I do feel that they were at times too critical of our goalkeepers. We must be realistic and support them.
“It’s important that our fans give our goalies love, irrespective of who is in goal, as we are one family!”
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