5 Worrying Stats For Chiefs Ahead Of Soweto Derby
by Thato Bosoga · Soccer LadumaAfter Kaizer Chiefs' winning streak came to an end with a goalless draw against Polokwane City, Soccer Laduma looks at five worrying stats from the game ahead of the Soweto derby against rivals Orlando Pirates over the weekend.
Big chances created
Chiefs would need to address their sense of urgency upfront, as they created only one big chance against Polokwane, which was missed by Given Msimango, according to the stats.
However, the opponent also could have played to how urgent Amakhosi were going forward, as Rise and Shine, in comparison, did not create any big chance, as the intensity of the game became a slog.
Read: Isaacs: They Are Playing With No Pressure
Ground duels won
Chiefs would be worried that they were seemingly outplayed by City when it comes to ground duels won, particularly in midfield, with Ndamulelo Maphangule with most ground duels won by any player, with an average of 56%.
Indeed, City head coach Phuti Mohafe suggested that they won most balls from Lebohang Maboe, after commenting that he was "confused" how Maboe was voted as the Man of the Match, as he felt they neutralized him.
Successful dribbles
Chiefs had no player attempting more than two dribbles and only Thabiso Monyane and Wandile Duba had at least two dribbles, with Monyane the only one with at least one successful dribble.
Amakhosi would need to beat their markers in the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates and would need to up their game particularly on the wings.
Touches in the opposition box
Chiefs had less touches in the opposition box (13) than Polokwane City (24), which would be a concern about their attacking combinations, which had Wandile Duba, Mduduzi Shabalala, Makabi Lilepo and Flavio Silva.
What would be of particular concern is that Silva, who was leading the line, did not have any touch in the opposition box, with Duba touching the ball in the 18-yard three times, the most by any player from the Soweto giants.
Players who were at risk of missing the derby
Chiefs went into the game against City with four players at risk of missing the clash against Pirates, if they were to be booked, namely; Flavio Silva, Mfundo Vilakazi, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Siphesihle Ndlovu.
Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze only risked Silva in the line-up, who may not have been as much committed, as another yellow card would have ruled him out.
Vilakazi, Ngcobo and Ndlovu were not played as a result.