Ndlovu says Kaizer Chiefs exposed Sundowns’ weaknesses in 1-1 draw

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu says his side identified weaknesses in Mamelodi Sundowns’ game and tried to exploit them during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium.

The result ended Kaizer Chiefs’ winning start, with Langelihle Phili putting the home side ahead before Cassius Mailula equalised for Mamelodi Sundowns. Ndlovu was named Man of the Match after helping his team secure a point in a demanding tactical contest.

The midfielder said Kaizer Chiefs knew they would have to work harder than usual against a Mamelodi Sundowns side renowned for controlling possession and finding space.

“I want to dedicate this to the ZCC where I come from, eMaqonqo. Obviously, it’s going to be a very tactical game because we know how Sundowns play, we know which spaces they want so we needed to grind a little bit more to match them,” Ndlovu told SuperSport after the game.

He also revealed that injuries suffered during the week had made preparations more difficult. Despite those setbacks, Kaizer Chiefs were determined to avoid defeat in front of their home supporters.

“Obviously, the injuries during the week they killed us a bit. But we needed to put in the work today and make sure that we don’t lose at home.”

Ndlovu was then asked whether Fernando da Cruz had given the players any particular instructions for the match.

According to the midfielder, the emphasis was on commitment and collective responsibility, with the players aware that Mamelodi Sundowns would force them to spend long periods without the ball.

“Nothing more besides being committed and doing what’s best for the team, but when you play against Sundowns you need to grind a little bit more because you know that you’re going to chase the ball,” Ndlovu added.

That approach also included attempting to attack quickly whenever possession was recovered. Ndlovu said Kaizer Chiefs had spotted spaces that could be used on the counter-attack and believed the team had made effective use of those opportunities.

“So, with that we needed to grind and make sure that we capitalise with the counter-attacks when we win the ball so we had seen that they lack there and there so I think we did that and I think it’s good for us.

“Obviously, it’s not the way we wanted to concede but hey it’s the game. That one lapse of concentration can cost you, but we take a point and we move.”

The draw leaves both sides with a share of the points after a match in which Kaizer Chiefs were unable to maintain their perfect start, while Mamelodi Sundowns recovered from conceding the opening goal.