Zwane concerned with Chiefs’ costly defensive blunders 

Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane says at least 80% of the goals his team have conceded this season are through their own mistakes. 

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Zwane’s team have conceded 28 goals in 25 games so far this season and have scored 30 of their own. 

Chiefs were held to a 1-1 draw by Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening. 

Gallants’ goal came after Edmilson Dove and Brandon Petersen’s miscommunication at the back gifted Ranga Chivaviro the ball to get the equaliser. 

“It does worry us as the technical team,” said Zwane in the post match media conference.

“Look at the goal we conceded, look at the goals we conceded in the past… Actually 75% if not 80% of the goals we conceded this season were like this. 

“I would give 20% to the opponent to say they unlocked us, they were superior in certain areas of the fiend and they created opportunities and punished us,” added Zwane.

Chiefs’ backline has been suspect this season but looked to have stabilised when Zwane partnered Dove with Siyabonga Ngezana in central defence.

“We have been talking about this since the beginning of the season, that we are conceding silly goals,” said Zwane.

“We are making mistakes that are very costly. We have conceded a lot of goals unnecessarily. 

“But as a coach, what do you do? Do you give up on your players? I can’t give up, I have to keep on working on this. 

“Change their mindset, change their mentality and ensure that we keep moving and we get it right (eventually).”

Chiefs still chasing second spot

The draw saw Zwane’s Chiefs drop behind Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United in the chase for the second spot in the DStv Premiership. 

They are in fourth position with 41 points while Pirates and SuperSport above them are on 43 after their wins. Pirates are second through goal difference.

Zwane however still believes Chiefs can finish above the two and qualify for the Caf Champions League next season.

“There are five more games to play, there’s a lot to play for. Anything can happen,” said Zwane.

“You know, there’s loads of teams who are fighting to avoid relegation or be in the top eight. So there are no easy games for everyone.

“We could have grabbed the maximum points in this one. But now we just have to go back and prepare ourselves for the next one, which is going to be after the (Nedbank) cup game.

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“It’s all up to us. We still have to play SuperSport. We can do better, you know… 

“But it will also test our character now.”