Khune and Ertugral share insights on Zwane.

Itumeleng Khune, and Muhsin Ertugral have shared some interesting insights about Kaizer Chiefs coach, Arthur Zwane.

Zwane has endured wave after wave of criticism, sometimes unfairly so, from Chiefs faithful, as well as some quarters of the South African football community.

His tactics, selection preferences, as well as his credibility as a Chiefs coach has been questioned, with the team's flactuating results not doing enough to help his cause.

But Zwane has diligently gone about the business of trying to get his best out of his Amakhosi side, guiding them to the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals, while they are also competing for the Caf Champions League spot.

Khune, who is close to reaching 20 years with Chiefs, is well positioned to give a glimpse of who exactly Arthur Zwane is, as well as what makes him tick.

Khune has worked with Zwane both as teammate, and now as one of his players.

"I had the privilege of playing with coach Arthur. And I had the privilege of being coached by him," said Khune. https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/why-itumeleng-khune-stayed-so-long-at-kaizer-chiefs/

"So obviously, we know what he wants. He wants hard-working players. 

"He wants disciplined players, and (wearing the Kaizer Chiefs badge doesn’t come easy."

Hard work and discipline seem to be the two words synonymous with the Amakhosi coach.

Muhsin Ertugral, who coached Zwane at some point at Chiefs, also spoke highly of his work ethic while he was still a player.

Speaking with Thabiso Mosia on Radio 2000, Ertugral said Zwane was very serious and hard working, always looking to improve.

"Arthur Zwane was a very serious player, always working on his game and how to track back," said Ertugral.

"He was passionate about the game . I even wanted to formalize a relationship with his township club, Galatasaray and Galatasaray in Turkey."

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/zwane-deserves-more-credit-than.html?m=1

As a coach, Zwane has shown character, and a thick skin, to not crack under pressure when showers of criticism have rained on him.

That is a quality of a battle hardened veteran who has seen and done it all.

And if what Khune and Ertugral are saying about him, than it is safe to say that Chiefs' process of renewal is in good hands. 

Maduka is not worried about red cards and penalties.

Royal AM will host Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday in a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal match at Chartsworth Stadium.

With this particular encounter being a cup game between two sides who usually have a good go at each other, a high intensity contest will be expected.

High intensity matches often come with players making wrong decisions under pressure, leading to unnecessary red cards and penalties given away.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/maduka-expects-war-against-chiefs.html?m=1

While the Chiefs name has become synonymous with red cards and penalties, John Maduka, Royal AM's head coach, believes Amakhosi cannot be blamed for that.

Instead, he has emphasized that his players will have to play with caution to avoid giving away penalties, which he says, are nothing but just another part of the game.

"You can't blame Chiefs for playing with an advantage [of an extra nan] because the decisions [red cards] are not made by them," Maduka told KickOff. https://www.snl24.com/kickoff/sanews/premiership/kaizer-chiefs/maduka-defends-chiefs-over-red-cards-debate-20230412

"They [Chiefs] just go out there and play the game, what's for us is to focus because that happens in football, whereby there can be red cards and penalties."

Chiefs have been awarded 10 penalties in the league this season, with seven opposition players players sent off against them.

An infuriated Stellenbosch FC coach, Steve Barker, when as far as saying maybe Chiefs should practice playing against 10 man considering how often they have to face that situation in matches.

Barker was speaking after his Stellies side were reduced to 10 man for the second time against Amakhosi this season, with a total of four penalties awarded against them.

Royal AM vs Kaizer Chiefs will Kickoff at 18:00.

Do you really wanna tell me the players aren’t trying to win matches? - Mokwena.

The spotlight has been on Mamelodi Sundowns' three draws in a row in the Dstv Premiership.

If this was any other team, the three draws would not have made the news, but this is Mamelodi Sundowns, the most successful South African club at the moment, they are the news.

Sundowns head coach, Rulani Mokwena, believes that if people can look at his team with sober eyes, they would see that his players are trying to win matches.

"So it’s tough, it’s the world we live in, unfortunately, but we try to win games, we try to do our best and try again [to win]. Really, let’s watch with soberness of eyes, if you watch Sundowns do you really wanna tell me the players aren’t trying to win matches?" asked Mokwena. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/nedbank-cup/mokwena-we-are-victims-of-our-own-success/

"I saw a stat saying Sundowns has only been able to comeback from behind and win a football match, twice in the last 13 years. Someone sent me that stat – this is the first time we actually went behind this season.

"That was such an important test to overcome and it wasn’t easy, Golden Arrows are very good, with good players in a rich vein of form and we had to fight and overcome the result."

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/he-has-rare-quality-in-him-arthur-zwane.html?m=1

The three draws, according to Mokwena, are just a turbulent period that every team goes through.

"The road to success is not paved in glitz and glam, it’s not smooth sailing, there’s turbulence and we have to be grateful to God because for others the turbulences are vert very difficult and for us the turbulences are three draws in a row.

"So we have to appreciate the fact, even while football dished out lessons and tests, it still doesn’t affect us that much, we just have to keep going and try and be stronger and stronger."

'He has a rare quality in him.' Arthur Zwane on Samkelo.

Kaizer Chiefs, in their prime, were known to be a team that thrived on the back of players who possessed immense technical abilities.

Even that was not enough, a dose of creativity was a vital aspect in a Chiefs player, think Doctor Khumalo, the late Shakes Kungoane, Donald 'Ace' Khuse, Thabang 'Banda' Lebese.

Those were players who could unlock the most stubborn of defensive organizations with a single pin point pass.

The Kaizer Chiefs of recent years has been found wanting when it comes to players of such quality, losing their identity in the process.

Lately though, a 21-year-old midfielder, Samkelo Zwane has shown a lot of promise, and if he continues to be nurtured, with his strengths maximized, the South African youth international could be what Chiefs has been missing all these years.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/nedbank-cup-quarterfinal-predictions.html?m=1

Zwane is a Chiefs homegrown product, having gone through their development ranks.

He has appeared nine times for the senior side so far this season, putting on a man of the match performance against Stellenbosch FC.

His coach, Arthur Zwane, is well aware of the gem at his disposal.

"When I look at Samkelo, he is something else, for me – not because we developed him, as a club, but because he has a rare quality in him," Zwane said as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/nedbank-cup/zwane-tipped-for-huge-chiefs-future/

"His technical ability and execution are second to none, and that will always make him a special player, we are lacking such players in South Africa that can be able to pin-point 40-meter passes and also be creative, take risks at the back to unlock oppositions.

"Most defensive midfielders [in South Africa] keep it simple, they don’t want to lose the ball in critical areas of the field where they can end up being punished. 

"You will recall we ended up playing one of our former players, Njabulo Blom, who gave us stability and fighting in the middle to protect the back-four or the central area of the field – he did very well, unfortunately, he had to go for greener pastures."

With the type of players Chiefs are producing in their development ranks lately, one can only say, all is good, keep them coming! 

Nedbank Cup quarterfinal predictions.

The Nedbank Cup quarterfinals are taking place this weekend, with all eight teams looking to advance to the semi-finals.

Dstv Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns are chasing a possible treble, while Orlando Pirates are looking to lift their second trophy of the season.

Kaizer Chiefs are presented with their last chance to earn some silverware, while Dondol Stars are hoping for a fairy tale run to the final.

Chippa United are facing possible relegation, and they would love nothing than to bow out with a bang if push comes to shove.

The coaches have spoken, the battle lines have been drawn and the troops are fully armed and ready!

But the big question is, who will make it through to the semi-finals?

This publication consulted their trusted football sangoma, whom for safety reasons, has to remain anonymous!

Dondol Stars vs Orlando Pirates:

This one is a definite Pirates victory. A motivated Dondol will put up a brave fight, but that is all there will be to it.

Bucs will show their experience and put the third tiers to the sword.

Stellenbosch FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns:

Our sangoma's bones point to a Sundowns win at Athlone Stadium.

As is the norm, Sundowns will dominate the ball, play with more intensity than they have been doing in their last three league matches, and create high quality chances which they will convert into goals.

According to our sangoma's bones, Downs will win this one with more than one goal, despite some determined efforts from Stellenbosch.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/maduka-expects-war-against-chiefs.html?m=1

Chippa United vs Sekhukhune United:

Our sangoma foresees a not so exciting encounter between these two sides.

According to the bones, Sekhukhune will have a slight advantage when it comes to controlling possession, create the better chances and score a goal or two to win the match.

But if you are looking for cutting edge cup football in this match, sorry to disappoint you.

Just know that Sekhukhune will win, end of story.

Royal AM vs Kaizer Chiefs:

According to our sangoma, this is going to be the most exciting match of the lot.

Just to paint a vivid picture, when it comes to ball possession, it will be almost 50/50.

In terms of goal mouth action, Chiefs will create the better chances, and put Royal AM's defence under all sorts of pressure.

As for Thwihli Thwahla, they will play well, up until the final third where they will run out of ideas to break down the Chiefs defence.

According to the bones, history will be made as Chiefs win their first match against Royal AM at Chartsworth.

Jubilation for Arthur Zwane, disappointment for John Maduka.

Just a recap of teams that will be in the semi-finals:

1) Orlando Pirates

2) Mamelodi Sundowns

3) Sekhukhune United

4) Kaizer Chiefs

Maduka expects war against Chiefs.

Royal AM will host Kaizer Chiefs in a much anticipated Nedbank Cup quarterfinal encounter on Sunday 16 April at Chartsworth Stadium, Durban.

Matches between Thwihli Thwahla and Amakhosi are always intense affairs, and this one, considering how both these clubs would love to get their hands on the trophy, will be no different.

Perhaps, what makes it even more interesting is the fact that Chiefs are yet to beat Royal AM at Chartsworth, something Amakhosi will pull all the stops to achieve this time around, with the Nedbank Cup being their last short at winning some silverware this season.

Royal AM head coach, John Maduka, who returned to the side after an unsuccessful spell with neighbors, Maritzburg United, has managed to bring back a bit more organization and discipline tactically to Thwihli Thwahla's game, something that let them down dearly towards the beginning of the second round of the season.

The experienced mentor says he expects war against Chiefs, because of the way teams raise their game when they play Royal AM.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/chiefs-set-their-sights-on-nedbank-cup.html?m=1

"This is where this makes the game very difficult. If you look at it, not only Kaizer Chiefs, all the teams that play against Royal AM, you find that this week they are playing totally different games," said Maduka during the Nedbank Cup press conference ahead of Sunday's clash.

“But when they come playing against us, it’s war. In other words, everyone wants to beat us, which we must be ready for.”   

Kick off will be at 18:00.

Mokwena runs the rule over Stellenbosch FC.

       Image credit: Lorenz Kohler

Mamelodi Sundowns will visit Stellenbosch FC on Saturday afternoon for a tricky Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash at Athlone Stadium.

As is the norm, the meticulous Sundowns coach, Rulani Mokwena has dug deep to highlight the strengths of a Stellenbosch side that ended Downs' 15 match winning streak when they held the champions to a 1-1 draw at the Danie Craven Stadium.

Mokwena praised Stellenbosch coach, Steve Barker for doing a great job in moulding his youthful side.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/riveiro-sings-chaines-praises.html?m=1

"A very good side, a well-coached side – Stevie Barker is doing good work. Their log position doesn't reflect their quality and their performances, but that, as I said, is football," said Mokwena as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/rulani-why-stellenbosch-are-a-tricky-side-for-mamelodi-sundowns

"A very good team with some very good players – Olwethu Makhanya as centre-back, bright potential, [Fawaaz] Basadien has been very good and extremely consistent.

"Ok, [Deano] van Rooyen is injured, so it will be interesting to see – we'll have to go deeper into the games, we've seen what they could possibly do, so we have to continue to try to dig deep and find information.

"[Vusi] Sibiya is good, strong, very experienced, he's played for some PSL and NFD sides, so he's got very good experience.

"They've got Rayners, who's come back from SuperSport and he's movement is very, very tricky, but that's influenced a little bit by the link-up between him and [Andre] de Jong, who is good, especially with the ball to feet.

"And if you're not careful then that brings the centre-halves to step into the midfield a lot more, and once that happens then you've got space behind for Rayners to run into."