Former Kaizer Chiefs defender David Kannemeyer has expressed confidence in the club’s defensive line, despite their recent struggles in the Betway Premiership.
The Soweto giants boast a strong defensive line with a wealth of talent at their disposal, all vying for places in the back four.
At left-back, Bradley Cross, Bongani Sam, and Happy Mashiane are all capable of filling the position. On the right flank, Dillan Solomons and Reeve Frosler provide defensive solidity.
In the heart of the defence, a formidable partnership can be forged between any combination of Rushwin Dortley, Inacio Miguel, Given Msimango, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, and Zitha Kwinika.
Despite possessing such a talented defensive unit, Amakhosi have struggled to maintain a solid defensive structure this season. In seven matches across all competitions, they have conceded a concerning 11 goals and managed to keep only one clean sheet.
This inconsistency at the back has hindered their progress and left them vulnerable to opposition attacks in the early stages of the 2024/25 season.
CHIEFS DIFFICULTY IN THE BETWAY PREMIERSHIP
In their most recent game, the Soweto giants suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout Cup at a packed FNB Stadium in Soweto
Ex-Chiefs defender Kannemeyer believes that the new coaching era under Nasreddine Nabi has disrupted the team’s rhythm, particularly for the new signings like Cross, Dortley, and Miguel.
“There is a lot of quality and talent in the [Kaizer] Chiefs team, no doubt about that. The defenders are good and are quality players,” Kannemeyer told SoccerNews24.
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“I think at the moment they [defenders] are struggling to perform well because they are under a new coach [Nasreddine Nabi].
“The defenders that the coach uses, most of them are new at the club [Cross, Dortley and Miguel].”
The former defender remains optimistic that the Chiefs defence will improve as the players adapt to the new system and build stronger on-field relationships.
“ I think they are still gelling in and getting to know and understand each other,” he added.
“Once that happens, they will start performing very well and giving top performances during matches.”