You’d be forgiven to think that coach Arthur Zwane’s announcement as the man in charge of the Kaizer Chiefs senior team was a trailer of a Hollywood blockbuster – Cop cars, designer suit and the latest German machines to name but a few. This is stuff that Spike Lee would be envious of.
The foundation was perfectly set for a season of rebuilding. The euphoria amongst the supporters was evident as, all in their millions, the Khosi nation were buying into the vision. Brick by brick, the plan was being carried out as the acquisition of the ‘new squad’ was carried out.
However, what was about to follow was one horror film no one had expected. Granted it is early days, but not in their wildest dreams did anyone from Naturena think that their current struggles would see them languishing in 14th place after 7 games, with only 2 wins and none of those coming away from home.
We are now starting to see a lot of fans losing faith in this construction of a “Fresh Revival” to a point that Mangethe Ball believers are of very lil faith. His biggest advocates are slowly turning into a congregation of ‘doubting Thomas’. Is this all fair though on a coach that has taken a team that had not won a trophy in over 7 years? Which yardstick is being used for all these expectations?
Upon close inspection you’d notice that there are few factors that are probably hindering this building process: The fact that the team has opted to play some of their home games away from home, thus eliminating the home-ground-advantage, leaving the team playing in neutral territory. You are bringing in a crop of players that have not challenged for silverware before, and essentially having to teach them how to be winners. The team has to be given an identity. You are given a blank canvass that allows you to paint a mosaic as imagined, which means the philosophy is outsourced. You are practically backed by the majority of people that are impatiently waiting for you to take them to the promised land.
On the contrary, depending on which outlook uMangethe has, this could be a motivational factor that could easily propel him to really dig deep and reach new heights. The facts that the team is languishing in the bottom half of the log means that it can only get better from here onwards. As the adage goes “adversity is the breakfast of champions”. What also boast well for this adventure is that he is breaming with fresh ideas and seem to have free reign to implement.
What coach Zwane needs right now is the buy in of his players that whatever he is implementing will yield results and for him to do that it might mean he needs a few investment loses. If he really believes in his philosophy he should be stubborn in his approach and protect his players at all costs. The last thing you need as a technician is to constantly blame your tools. The very same tools that allow you to carry out the duties. Once he can master this and filter out all the noise, he should start seeing results.
By Lekoko
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