I have watched a lot of Kaizer Chiefs games since the
beginning of the season – both in league and cup competitions. I have seen how
effective their transition play has been and I am must admit that Stuart Baxter
did bring life to this Chiefs team.
However, I am not convinced if this transition play
will work against a team like United FC especially in the semifinals where
everyone can see the finish line. This is because United FC coach Dan Malesela
has employed a system that suits all his quality midfielders.
Transition play is often ineffective when there are
too many bodies in the midfield, because it requires spaces where the
possession can be played, and at times Baxter seemed to have no plan B when
this occurs – Maritzburg, Arrows and Celtic (in the Nedbank) managed to do
that.
They are dynamic and play without a natural striker,
but they have been scoring goals. Malesela played 7 midfielders and 3 defenders
against Warriors and scored three goals. Though, they seem to be vulnerable at
the back, United FC defenders are also capable of scoring goals.
PSYCOLOGICAL BOOST
United have nothing to lose going into this match and
playing against a big team like Chiefs is a morale boost for them. Majority of
their players are unknown, almost the entire starting line-up.
Coaches will always say “players need a little or no
motivation at all when playing either Chiefs or Pirates” and I am anticipating the
same quote from Malesela in his pre-match interview. Being in the semifinal for
the first time could affect United FC players psychologically, but beating
Chiefs will certainly be a motivation.
The fact of the matter is Chiefs have never been in
the semis of the Nedbank Cup before and the pressure of wanting to lift two
trophies this season could act against them. This is what United FC will
capitalize on, frustrate them until they crack and then score goals.
Chiefs have also had problems against minnows and that
is always at the back of their minds every time they are drawn against a club
from lower ranks. United FC will definitely take advantage of this. Well, it is
true that they managed to overcome Polokwane City in the last 16 match, but
City had a few opportunities that they should have converted into goals.
CONCLUSION
Honestly, United FC cannot match the quality that
Chiefs have in their squad, but they can definitely cause an upset if they
believe and their names could permanently be written in the history books of
South African football. It’s all in the mind at the end of the day.
By Ernest Makhaya
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