Kaizer Chiefs thumped by FC Utrecht in pre-season friendly
Kaizer Chiefs suffered a 4-0 defeat to FC Utrecht in a pre-season friendly, highlighting defensive challenges as they prepare for the new season. Picture: Itumeleng English/Indpendent Media
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Kaizer Chiefs crashed to a 4-0 defeat in their pre-season friendly to Dutch outfit FC Utrecht, in the Netherlands, on Friday evening.
Following their loss a couple of days earlier to Vitesse, the match was played behind closed doors, meaning there were no spectators.
Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi played the first hour with the lineup of Brandon Petersen, Thabiso Monyane, Given Thibedi Miguel, Luke Fleurs, Aden McCarthy, Siphesihle Shinga, Makabi Lilepo, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Siyethemba Cele, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Mduduzi Shabalala and González Da Silva.
At 3-0 down, Nabi threw on a completely new team of Bruce Bvuma, Dillan Solomons, Zitha Kwinika, Luke Fleurs, McCarthy, Reeve Frosler, Gaston Sirino, Nkosingiphile Zwane, Siyethemba Matlou, Pule Chislett, Ashley Mmodi and Aphiwe Hlongwane.
Soweto Giants’ Defensive Improvement and Aden McCarthy’s Insights
The fresh combination was something of an improvement, as the Soweto Giants only conceded one more goal in the final 30 minutes.
New centre-back Aden McCarthy said it was a difficult challenge against the Dutch team.
“It was a really tough encounter,” said McCarthy.
“It was interesting to see how they processed this match and how they approached it, especially when they pressurised us. We understand each other very well. We often don’t even need to communicate with one another to know what needs to be done.”
Though Chiefs did win their first piece of silverware in a decade when they beat Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final in May, it did not hide the fact that the AmaKhosi finished outside the top eight for a second season in a row.
The expectations, therefore, will be much higher in the new season.