Kaizer Chiefs stalwart Itumeleng Khune. Photo: BackpagePix

Predicted Kaizer Chiefs XI vs Swallows: Khune in or out?

Kaizer Chiefs meet Moroka Swallows in the Soweto Derby. Here’s how we think Johnson should set his team up with a big Khune call looming.

by James Freemantle

24-11-2023 13:55

in Premier Soccer League

Kaizer Chiefs stalwart Itumeleng Khune. Photo: BackpagePix

The pressure to pick up precious PSL points is relentless for Kaizer Chiefs. Their next test is a Soweto Derby at Donsonville against Swallows, but will Itumeleng Khune make the cut?

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Predicted Kaizer Chiefs XI vs Swallows

Khune; Frosler, Msimango, Dove; Hlanti; Castillo, Mthethwa; Shabalala, Ngcobo, Mmodi; Saile

Thatayaone Ditlhokwe is a major doubt after dislocation his shoulder so there will need to be a reshuffle at the back.

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STERILE POSSESSION DOESN’T WIN MATCHES

How often have we seen the Glamour Boys hog the ball and have more shots in a match than their opponents, only to fail to create clear-cut opportunities and get sucker punched? It’s more often than fans would like to admit. Amakhosi had 58% of the ball but failed to make the most of it, mustering just one shot on target. They also completed 132 more passes and boasted an 84% pass accuracy, superior to Pirates’ 74%. What did they do with it though? Fans don’t want to see stale possession, they want to see effective attacks and goals. A wing-based, transitional approach could pay dividends.

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Mdu or die?

If the Glamour Boys can become a more effective counter-attacking side, Mduduzi Shabalala will be key in that transition. Christian Saile, meanwhile, also deserves a run in the side and not just the occasional start.

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