Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has questioned the timing of Amakhosi’s subs in their 1-0 win over ZESCO United, saying the early changes disrupted the visitors a bit.
The Glamour Boys walked away with a 1-0 win at ZESCO after a second-minute goal from Pule Mmodi.
Even though the home side hardly troubled Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, Khumalo feels the coaches should not have made so many subs early in the second half after Glody Lilepo and Thabiso Monyane replaced Khanyisa Mayo and Dillon Solomons at half-time already before Mduduzi Shabalala came on for Mfundo Vilakazi in the 60th minute and Thulani Mabaso replaced Lebohang Maboe in the 68th.
“I think when you look at how they fared in the first half, how they were defending, how they were attacking,” he analysed on SABC1.
“Walter [Steenbok] showed us the three upfront, three in the middle, four at the back and the goalkeeper, which disabled ZESCO to combine or maybe to pose a problem.
“But I think it was too early for the two early subs they made, it tampered with the fluidity of the game, they lost the social factor on the field.
“Also, 60th minute, they made another substitution. Now, they’re probably closer to the game but based on our experience, you also have to manage the time because when you use more of your subs early – what if one gets a red or gets injured and now you still have 30 minutes to play or 25, then you don’t have any more subs.
“But again, I think in the second half it was a totally different Kaizer Chiefs, because in the second half they lost the spark, and the rhythm, fluidity of the game.
“Also, with Lilepo being thrown in the deep end to play striker, it also changed the complexion of their approach. But then we need to give them credit, because we saw the field, it was not playable and they managed to keep the score the way it is.”
Chiefs remained in third place in Group D but moved to four points – one behind Zamalek and three behind leaders Al Masry, with the two Egyptian giants playing out a goalless draw.
Amakhosi now welcome ZESCO at Moses Mabhida Stadium this coming weekend.
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
