Chippa Survives, Maritzburg hang on, as I eat humble pie.

I was convinced, that the best Chippa United could do was to survive relegation through the play-offs.  Nothing, and no one, would have convinced me otherwise. 

But this afternoon, football proved me wrong, as Chippa United players hoisted their Chairman, Chippa Mpengesi on the air, celebrating their survival. 

Football proved me wrong just as it did when it comes to Maritzburg United. 

In my football world,  Maritzburg were as good as relegated, though their draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday planted a seed of doubt in my mind on their imminent relegation. 

The rumors of the alleged unrest in the Marumo Gallants camp because of the CAF Confederations Cup bonuses the players felt they deserved for reaching the semi-finals left me with a dilemma, will they be able to fully apply themselves against a rampant Swallows to survive relegation? 

I got my answer when instead of a Maritzburg that was as good as dead to me, Marumo Gallants, that of a fairy tale run in Africa, got relegated, while Maritzburg will have another survival chance in the play-offs. 

None of what happened this afternoon was part of my script for this weekend's Dstv Premiership finale, absolutely none. 

As I sit here, munching on my humble pie, the taste of it makes me think of one Kgoloko Thobejane's famous words, "Football, can kill you a real death."

I am not dead, but my predictions are. 

Why Chiefs and Pirates need Chivaviro.

 

                                           

Ranga Chivaviro bagged a hattrick on wednesday night when Marumo Gallants came from behind to beat Chippa United 3-1 in a relegation battle match played at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The main protagonist in Marumo's important victory that saw them rise above Chippa in the log standings, Chivaviro, has scored 13 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions for the club this season. Before joining Gallants, Chivaviro played for Venda Football Academy, where he scored two goals in ten matches.

 While Marumo should be pleased to have a goal poacher of note within their ranks, especially considering their relegation battle, the ruthless Chivaviro could also be an answer to Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates' goal scoring troubles.

 The two Soweto giants are on a mission to catch up with runaway Dstv Premiership serial winners in Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite playing some good football and creating an avalanche of good goal scoring opportunities, poor finishing has let Chiefs and Pirates down on many an occasion.

 For an example, Chiefs are not that far behind Sundowns when it comes to creating good goal scoring opportunities. Their average xGF (expected goals for) per match in the league is 1.73 according to FootyStats, while Sundowns average 1.90.

 But the difference between the two sides is turning those valuable opportunities into goals. Chiefs score an average of 1.20 goals per a match in the league, compared to Sundowns' 1.77. 

 To drive this point home, Chiefs takes almost the same number of shots as Sundowns per game, that is 12.24, compared to Downs' 12.58, but it is in converting those shots into goals where Amakhosi are found wanting, with their shot conversion rate at 10%, while Downs stand at 14%.

 It is the same problem for Pirates, who average an xGF of 1.55 per game in the league. Like Chiefs, they score only 1.20 goals per match. While their shots average per match is 11.82, their conversion rate is a disappointing 11%.

 The biggest difference between the two Soweto giants and Sundowns is, while the Brazilians have goal scorers like Peter Shalulile and Cassius Mailula, who convert a high number of chances that come their way; Chiefs have Ashley Du Preez holding the heavy fort, while Bucs have Saleng carrying such a huge ship on his small shoulders.

 The verdict is clear for both Soweto giants, to turn the goal scoring opportunities they create into goals, they need a proven goal scorer, someone who has already shown is abilities in the Dstv Premiership, and that is none other than Chivaviro.

 With the 30-year-old having only joined Marumo in August 2022, Chiefs and Pirates would have to negotiate to snatch him out of his contract, meaning he won't come cheap, but he is definitely worth the trouble.

 

 

Maritzburg United to be relegated, Chippa United for the play-offs.

                 Image: Twitter

With five matches to go in the Dstv Premiership, Swallows FC, Marumo Gallants, Chippa United, and Maritzburg United, are involved in a fierce relegation dogfight.

Looking at the statistics of the four relegation candidates, somehow took me back to the famous Animal Farm by George Orwell, and a quote from the book, which reads, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."

What does that particular quote have to do with the relegation battle and the four teams? One may ask.

Well, here is the answer, according to statistics from FootyStats, all four teams are relegation candidates, but some are more in danger than others!

While Swallows and Gallants are a little bit on the safe side, it doesn't rain, but pours for Chippa and Maritzburg.

Here is why....

Average goals scored per match:

When it comes to this metric, Chippa United have are better than the other three teams, they average 1.00 goals scored per match.

But as the other numbers will reveal later in the article, their goals conceded average puts them in danger, which is why they can not read much into this.

They are followed by Marumo Gallants, who average 0.88 goals scored per match.

Swallows are third with 0.80, while Maritzburg United are rock bottom with 0.76.

Rankings:

1) Chippa United = 1.00

2) Marumo Gallants = 0.88

3) Swallows FC = 0.80

4) Maritzburg United = 0.76

Average goals conceded per match:

Gallants concede less goals per match than the other three, their average is 1.08.

They are followed by Swallows, with 1.16.

Chippa are third with an average of 1.36, while Maritzburg, again, are last with a poor 1.40.

Rankings: 

1) Maritzburg United = 1.40

2) Chippa United = 1.36

3) Swallows FC = 1.16

4) Marumo Gallants = 1.08

Now it is beginning to get interesting!

Average xGF (expected goals for) per match:

When it comes to creating good goal scoring opportunities, it is Gallants who are ahead of the other three, they average an xGF of 1.31, which means they do create chances, with an average of 8.95 shots taken per game.

What has let them down is their inability to convert their opportunities/shots, into goals, with a conversion rate of 11%. This is something they are improving on though.

Also Read: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/lentjies-chippa-united-demotion-could.html?m=1

Following behind Marumo is Maritzburg United, their xGF is 1.24, which is okay, they take an average of 8.48 shots per game, again, which is okay, but the anti climax is their shot conversion rate, which is the poorest amongst the four relegation candidates, at 9%. They just can't find the back of the net, no goals, no wins!

Swallows are third with an xGF of 1.04, averaging 8.36 shots per match, and a conversion rate of 10%.

The worst side when it comes to this metric is Chippa United.

Their xGF is a poor 0.78, they average 6.79 shots taken per match, which is a red flag, but their shot conversion rate has been their saving grace, with 14%. Otherwise they would have been bottom of the log already.

Rankings:

1) Marumo Gallants = 1.31

2) Maritzburg United = 1.24

3) Swallows FC = 1.04

4) Chippa United = 0.78

Average xGA ( expected goals against):

When it comes to giving away good chances to opponents, Maritzburg United are the biggest culprits, with an average of 1.65.

This simple means the Team of Choice can't defend to save their lives, and it is not a surprise that they are bottom of the table, poor defending equals losing games, period.

Behind Maritburg is Chippa, with an xGA of 1.47, while Swallows are third with 1.35, and Marumo with 1.22.

Rankings:

1) Maritzburg United = 1.65

2) Chippa United = 1.47

3) Swallows FC = 1.35

4) Marumo Gallants = 1.22

What does the form guide say, who is winning?

According to how the four teams have performed in their last five matches, things look promising for Marumo.

Here is how they stand:

1) Marumo Gallants = WDDWD [9]

2) Swallows FC = WLLWD [7]

3) Maritzburg United = LLLWL [3]

4) Chippa United = LLDDL [2]

In a Nutshell:

Maritzburg's number scream relegation!

They have lost four of their last five matches, they can't defend, and they definitely can't score goals, despite creating good chances.

Chippa must prepare for the play-offs, thoroughly!! Marumo are coming for them at a Gautrain speed.

As for Swallows and Marumo, making plans for next season in the Dstv Premiership might be advisable, to avoid similar fate.

But as one wise coach-cum-philosopher, Steve Komphela once said, statistics are like a bikini, they do not reveal everything!

In that case, we may have to expect the unexpected.

We won't give up now - Arthur Zwane.

Kaizer Chiefs coach, Arthur Zwane. Image: Kaizer Chiefs Twitter

After their 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants on Saturday at FNB Stadium, Kaizer Chiefs coach, Arthur Zwane accepted the setback, but reiterated the fact that they won't give up on their goal to finish second on the log.

In a game that Amakhosi could have won comfortably, they decided to revert back to their default settings.

They squandered good scoring opportunities, and gave Gallants a goal for an Easter present, courtesy of Edmilson Dove and Brandon Peterson.

Saturday night's draw might not be a complete train smash, but it came at a wrong time.

With Amakhosi on a four match winning streak, they would have loved to have made it five, especially taking into consideration the difficulty of their upcoming matches.

Chiefs still has to play SuperSport United, Cape Town City, and Sekhukhune United, three encounters that might prove difficult to win.

Zwane's thoughts on the game:

"I think the game became too easy for us when the we got the first goal," Zwane said after the game, as quoted by Times Live. https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2023-04-09-we-keep-beating-ourselves-zwane-after-chiefs-costly-draw-against-gallants/

"After scoring we created three scoring chances but we did not take them again. Then we became sloppy at the back in terms of the build-up play.

"I was telling them we needed to move the ball a lot quicker because the more we put them under pressure the more likely we were to score.

"The miscommunication between Brandon and Dove gave them a goal they didn't deserve. They had two other chances and that was it. We had a number of chances to win this game."

On looking ahead, and why he won't give up:

"But having said that, we keep beating ourselves. We keep dropping points and letting ourselves down. For me this is one game where we could have got maximum points."

"There's five more games to play and anything can happen. There are a lot of teams fighting relegation and those who want to be in the top eight and there are no easy games for anyone. 

"We could have grabbed maximum points on this one and it's one of those. We just have to go back and prepare ourselves for the next one, which is going to be after the cup [Nedbank Cup quarterfinal against Royal AM in Durban on Sunday] game.

Also Read: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/i-am-proud-to-have-watched-south.html?m=1

"We won't give up now. This is football and sometimes you find yourself in this situation. We always put ourselves in this situation where we could have made it much better for ourselves. 

"It's all up to us and we still have to play SuperSport. It will test our character from now ."

I am proud to have watched South African football after this game - 'Tso' Vilakazi.

Benedict 'Tso' Vilakazi. Image: iDiski TV Twitter. 

Kaizer Chiefs and Marumo Gallants played such good football on Saturday night in their 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium, leaving Tso Vilakazi raving about their performance.

The former Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder, also known as 'Little Napoleon', felt this was one of the best performances by South African sides.

"Well done to the two teams, they gave us something to talk about. Good actions on the left and the right, and combination play, they kept us on the edges of our seats because of the football on display. I ask myself how Marumo Gallants ended up at the bottom," Vilakazi told iDiski TV.

"I would say after a long time, I am proud to have watched South African football after this game. Looking at how Marumo and Chiefs played, creating chances on both ends, making runs into good areas, getting into the final third where it was just a matter of time before they could score goals.

"It's just that they got into good areas but that final touch was lacking, but they played good football."

Also Read: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/kaizer-chiefs-drops-two-points-against.html?m=1

Tso on how impressive Marumo Gallants were in dealing with Kaizer Chiefs' transition football:

"Chiefs always play on transitions, and I think the in the first 10 minutes of the first half it worked for them. But they couldn't do enough to punish Marumo.

"Du Preez was making good runs, and Dolly was delivering good crosses, it was just a matter of finishing.

"Marumo were doing very well, even though Chiefs did their transitions, they would still build up from from the back, and Gumede was very solid.

"They also did well in the middle during the build up phase, with Mohomi and Ngema. Only Letsie [Koapeng] caused Marumo not to win the game. When Chivaviro [Ranga] needed him, he wasn't there."

Kaizer Chiefs drops two points against Marumo Gallants.

Kaizer Chiefs forward, Ashley Du Preez scored his second goal in two matches when he netted for Amakhosi against Marumo Gallants. Image: Kaizer Chiefs Facebook. 

Kaizer Chiefs saw their four match winning streak in the league come to an end as they drew 1-1 against Marumo Gallants on Saturday night at FNB Stadium.

Striker, Ashley Du Preez gave Amakhosi a dream start as he received a pass from Yusuf Maart around the half way line and was soon on his bike towards goal to net an opener in the 6th minute. 

A defensive mix-up involving Edmilson Dove and goalkeeper Brandon Peterson gifted Marumo Gallants an equaliser in the 36th minute as Ranga Chivaviro profited from their miscommunication to finish from a tight angle.

This was a game where Amakhosi's Achilles heel, which is missing opportunities, as well as silly mistakes at the back, became their downfall.

Chiefs had most of the ball, with an average of 57% of possession, and managed to fashion 18 goal attempts, with five of them on target, yet there were glaring misses once again that could have won them the game.

The two points dropped saw Amakhosi slightly dropping off the Caf Champions League spot race as it heads towards the last five crucial laps.

Also Read: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/kabelo-dlamini-why-he-is-key-for.html?m=1

Marumo Gallants, who are staging a fight to move away from the relegation zone, despite not enjoying most of the ball, looked dangerous each time they ventured forward.

They managed 12 goal attempts of their own, with six on target, and they had some great opportunities to steal all three points in the second half, with Chivaviro missing from close range, and one their best efforts hitting the upright towards the end of the game.

Nonetheless, the point gained at FNB Stadium was enough to see Gallants moving off the bottom of the table, swapping places with Maritzburg United by virtue of a better goal difference, with both sides tied on 24 points each.

Gallants will be hoping to continue with their resurgence when they host Chippa United at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, on Wednesday 12 April.

While Amakhosi will next play a league game on 23 April, when they travel to Polokwane to face Sekhukhune United. 

Can Marumo go gallant all over Chiefs?

    Image: Kaizer Chiefs Twitter. 

Kaizer Chiefs are currently enjoying a run of form they could only dream about during the middle stage of the season.

They will be looking to continue with it when they host Marumo Gallants on Saturday 08 April at FNB Stadium, Gauteng. The kickoff is at 20:00.

Amakhosi have won four of their last five league matches, a run that has seen them becoming serious contenders for the Caf Champions League spot.

In those five games, Chiefs have scored nine goals, with six conceded. Although their performances have been far from polished, they have managed to do what matters most, which is grinding out positive results.

Also Read: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/no-chippa-formed-against-pirates-shall.html?m=1

As for Marumo, their fight against relegation continues, they are currently bottom of the log with 23 points in 24 games, but there are positives in their latest league results too!

In their last five league matches, Marumo have won two, draw two and lost once.

What should be more encouraging for them is the improvement in their goal scoring charts.

Marumo have been playing some good football this season, averaging 52% ball possession per match, but it is in the final third where they have find themselves wanting.

Their expected goals average per match is a poor 1.29, meaning they are not side that is big on creating good goal scoring opportunities.

That has translated to them averaging a hazardous 0.88 goals scored per match in the league, a poor return for a side looking to escape relegation.

But they are improving, as their last five matches have shown, and Chiefs should be weary of their threat.

What can we expect from the game?

Goals should be the order of the day on Saturday evening. Both Amakhosi and Marumo are attack minded sides, who are not that adept when it comes to the art of defending.

Although Chiefs have managed two clean sheets in their last five league matches, they have gone on to concede six goals.

Marumo too, have kept two clean sheets in five games, yet conceded seven goals.

With a lot riding on this game, goals is what we can expect.

Amakhosi though, are slightly better than Marumo when it comes to taking their chances, and that should hand them an advantage on Saturday evening.