This past weekend showcased another chapter of the Soweto Derby. A performance of rigidness and with unfailing faithfulness towards the Kaizer Chiefs coach's tactics.
I'm inspired by Amakhosi's display of mentality and discipline. This is the kind of performance that motivates a nation of how we should stand together. How we should fight for each other irrespective of our backgrounds or nationalities, which is something not often associated in South African Football.
The moment and atmosphere did not phase them. They stood alongside their manager and carried out their plan.
Their positional play was out of this world. The whole group were clearly given zonal zones to cover, especially the centre of the pitch. Allowing the Buccaneers out wide to rather deliver crosses, instead of penetrating through the middle where they tend be more dangerous.
That gave Chiefs the aerial advantage as well. Then the final piece of the puzzle was one that repaid coach Ernst Middendorp’s faith in one particular player. The noise from outside was loud but the manager remained calm when choosing Daniel Akpeyi over Itumeleng Khune.
The shot stopper seemsed really chilled between the sticks even after denying so many goalscoring opportunities. Thou shall not pass the Nigerian Wall was his theme. He was the difference and the key point of Middendorp’s plan.
Hitting Amabhakabhaka in transition was their best bet and it worked wholeheartedly. Each player knew what was expected even through the injury situations. They remained professional and determined to lift that league title. All this in conjunction with their unwavering mentality was the key to their victory.
