Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs starlet Mdu Shabalala signing his a contract in June 2022. Image: @kaizerchiefs / Twitter

Kaizer Chiefs: A subtle change in philosophy?

Kaizer Chiefs might just be making a subtle but crucial change in their playing philosophy.

Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs starlet Mdu Shabalala signing his a contract in June 2022. Image: @kaizerchiefs / Twitter

Kaizer Chiefs are a continental giant known for their ability to produce top youth talent.

Now, there might just be a subtle change in how they’re operating on the pitch.

OPINION: Will this Kaizer Chiefs star answer coach Zwane’s 10111 call?


Duba, Shabalala and Zwane herald in a new Kaizer Chiefs era

Until the Chiefs head coach addresses the club’s shortcomings in front of goal via the transfer market, he’ll need to rely on internal solutions. Wandile Duba is certainly one of those. Arthur Zwane hasn’t been shy to heap praise on Duba in recent press conferences. Additionally, it’s clear that there’s been a subtle change in philosophy at the club. Against Golden Arrows, 20-year-old Samkelo Zwane started the match while 20-year-old Duba and 18-year-old Mdu Shabalala were on the bench and made impressive cameos. Sabelo Radebe was also on the bench.

RUMOUR ROUNDUP: Kaizer Chiefs outline transfer plans

kaizer chiefs
Mduduzi Shabalala is one of the finest prospects to come out of Naturena in some time. Image: @kaizerchiefs / Twitter.

Finding value in the transfer market

Earlier in the campaign, coach Zwane seemed to hold back on giving younger players their chance, instead opting for experience in key areas of the pitch. Now, it feels as though he’s decided that the top youth prospects at the club are ready for game time in the first team.

ICYMI: Profiling Amakhosi wonderkid Mduduzi “Mdu or die” Shabalala

More than ever, it’s now so difficult to extract proper value from the transfer market. If Arthur Zwane can blood a few youth academy products, he’ll be saving money in the transfer market and appeasing fans who want to see the kids get a chance. It’s a win-win situation. It’ll become win-win-win if these stars perform on the pitch and deliver results for their manager.

WOW: Kaizer Chiefs fans will be embarrassed by this 2022 statistic

Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs boss Arthur Zwane looking cool in the heat. Image: @kaizerchiefs / Twitter

Let’s see how Duba, Shabalala and Zwane get along against Sekhukhune on Saturday in front of their own fans at FNB Stadium.

Follow The South African on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news updates.

You can get more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game from James Freemantle