‘One game we want to forget’: Zwane after Chiefs’ cup win against Casric

Kaizer Chiefs' laboured 2-1 Nedbank Cup last 16 win against first division Casric Stars was “one game we want to forget", Amakhosi coach Arthur Zwane admitted.

Having booked their place in the quarterfinals, Chiefs remain on course to win the final trophy of the season in their mission to prevent 2022-23 becoming their eighth season without silverware.

But their manner of getting there with an unconvincing win over the Motsepe Foundation Championship's third-placed team at FNB Stadium on Sunday night did not inspire confidence Amakhosi could lift the cup.

“It's always difficult to play against teams from the first division because they play with energy more than structure,” Zwane said after the game.

“We know we could have done better. We know we always want to play our utmost best and have an identity in how we want to play.

“This is one game we want to forget according to our standards. I think we went down to their level.

“Take nothing from them — they are a good team, they've got their strengths and weaknesses. But I think we could have done better and we know that.

“But I think on days like this in football you find players in that situation for some reasons. As coaches we don't give up on players and trying to get the best out of them and the club.

“What was important for us was to go through to the next round.”

Man of the match Mduduzi Shabalala had some characteristically bright moments as Chiefs' main creative presence upfront, including a stunning run past two defenders. That moment culminated in the teen forward being unable to beat goalkeeper Ludwe Mpakumpaku in a one-on-one.

Asked about Shabalala being unable to provide the crucial finish on that occasion, Zwane pointed out Chiefs' decision-making in the final third was poor all-round. He referenced an instance where Yusuf Maart had the ball in the centre outside the area and Kamohelo Mahlatsi free on the right, but opted to pass to Keagan Dolly on his left “in traffic” instead.

“Not only 'Mdu', when you look at our decision-making in the final-third entry there was a time when we had four-vs-two and ended up allowing them to recover, and we looked like scoring in that moment.

“We need to improve our decision-making, from the middle and not only in the final third in terms of how we use the half-spaces and get the ball behind the defenders.

“There was a time we did it right and whenever we did we looked dangerous. We had those moments where the keeper made a save from Mdu, another form [Ashley] Du Preez.

“But we need to improve the decisions in the final third. Once we get that right I think we will score a lot of goals.”

Playing a near full-strength team, Chiefs took the lead through Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana's 11th-minute penalty, which was cancelled by Kgomotso Mosadi (60th). Du Preez struck back for Chiefs three minutes later.    

Zwane will take encouragement that erratic Chiefs have shown signs of better consistency and their victory against Casric made it three wins in succession and five in seven league and cup games, with a defeat and a draw.

Third-placed Amakhosi will hope for another positive result in their DStv Premiership clash against Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday night (8pm) as they continue their push for a second-placed finish.

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