Samir Nurkovic of Kaizer Chiefs celebrates goal during the 2021 CAF Champions League Quarterfinal match between Kaizer Chiefs and Simba FC on the 15 May 2021 at FNB Stadium/ Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs latest | No Khune and Billiat, no problem!
Amakhosi’s 4-0 win over Simba proved that Gavin Hunt doesn’t necessarily need big-name players to thrive at Naturena.
Samir Nurkovic of Kaizer Chiefs celebrates goal during the 2021 CAF Champions League Quarterfinal match between Kaizer Chiefs and Simba FC on the 15 May 2021 at FNB Stadium/ Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Itumeleng Khune and Khama Billiat were left behind as Kaizer Chiefs THUMPED Simba SC 4-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals on Saturday.
Samir Nurkovic scored a brace while the other two goals were scored by Erick Mathoho and Leonardo Castro on the historic Amakhosi night.
READ | KAIZER CHIEFS LATEST | GAMILDIEN TO AMAKHOSI IN THE NEWS AGAIN
And this was a statement of intent by Amakhosi who proved that they don’t really need star players to beat anyone at any given day.
Chiefs went into the encounter at the FNB Stadium as the underdogs following what has been a rather disappointing domestic campaign thus far.
However, that worked in their favour as Simba found themselves having to chase shadows for the better part of the game.
READ | GAVIN HUNT: HUGE PSL MILESTONE FOR KAIZER CHIEFS COACH
Surprisingly, Chiefs scored four goals and conceded none to register a record win since Gavin Hunt took over in September 2020.
The win saw Chiefs put one foot into the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, and after this, Hunt’s men have no reason to doubt themselves.
Chiefs have never in their history been in the quarter-finals let alone put a foot in the semi-finals of Africa’s premier club competition.
READ | KAIZER CHIEFS LATEST | GAVIN HUNT COMMENTS ON STUART BAXTER REPORTS
And this win has put them among the ‘best’ teams on the African continent.
What makes it even sweeter is that they recorded this victory without two of their star players in Khune, Billiat – and this means they certainly mean Chiefs did not miss them.
Of course, Khune is still seen as one of the best goalkeepers in the PSL, and the truth is that Chiefs don’t have a shot-stopper as experienced as the 33-year-old.
READ | KAIZER CHIEFS PREPARE MULTI-MILLION OFFER FOR SUPERSPORT UNITED STAR – REPORT
And the fact that Daniel Akpeyi sat on the bench with Bruce Bvuma in goal means Chiefs are on track in finding a suitable and young replacement should Khune leave.
Even Billiat hasn’t given Chiefs much since his first season from Mamelodi Sundowns, and the majority, including former Amakhosi players feel he should leave.
READ | KAIZER CHIEFS’ 13 TRANSFER TARGETS | HOW HAVE THEY FARED THIS SEASON?
What this victory means is that Chiefs should look deeply into their recruitment policy and find suitable players who are hungry to succeed than players who have seen it all.
