Zwane reveals difficulty he has endured as Chiefs coach

Injuries to prominent players and suspensions have made the job very difficult for Arthur Zwane at Kaizer Chiefs. 

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In almost every game, Zwane has had to make forced changes which has led to the team failing to find its rhythm. 

But the results are at least coming with Chiefs now having won four in a row in the DStv Premiership, and five when including the Nedbank Cup last 16. 

The team’s teething problems were mainly in defence and attack. They let in cheap goals at the back, and missed easy chances up front. 

But while it has become better of late, it is not something that has been completely fixed, as Zwane continues to struggle to keep the same team for three games in a row.

“We have had a very difficult season,” Zwane told the media at the weekend after their 2-1 win over Stellenbosch FC. 

“I think this is the worst season ever since I have been here at Kaizer Chiefs. I have been an assistant and I started in the development.

“I don’t think any other coach has been in the situation that we are in now… myself and Sheppy (Dillon Sheppard) and the rest of the technical team. 

“We have had so many challenges,” added Zwane who is in his first season as sole head coach at Chiefs, carrying the expectations of millions of supporters.

When he took over from Stuart Baxter, he was tasked with resetting and rebuilding the team. 

Chiefs taking new direction

The club had felt that the direction in terms of the style under the last three coaches, Ernst Middendorp, Gavin Hunt and Baxter was not where they wanted it to go.

For that, Zwane needed a number of new players to beef up as the club also released a number of experienced campaigners. 

And Zwane said the new players have come in and added value at Chiefs. The likes of Siyethemba Sithebe, Dillan Solomons and Yusuf Maart have become key members of Zwane’s team. 

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“I must still commend the players who have come in … under pressure, as we were trying to rebuild the team,” said Zwane.

“We had the core around, and brought other players knowing this is the identity. So, that makes our lives difficult when it comes to that.”