Pitso Dladla says Golden Arrows were prepared for Kaizer Chiefs tactics

Golden Arrows head coach Pitso Dladla said his side had prepared thoroughly for Kaizer Chiefs’ approach after the teams drew 0-0 in the Betway Premiership at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Dladla believed Golden Arrows had created the better opportunities and deserved to take all three points, despite being unable to find a goal.

He said Arrows had specifically worked on exploiting the spaces created by Chiefs’ defensive structure, which included three centre-backs and attacking full-backs.

“We planned very well, especially for how we were going to open them up in front,” Dladla told SuperSport after the match.

“We knew that, with the three centre-backs and the full-backs going forward, there would be spaces, especially in the channels.”

The coach pointed to two crossing situations as evidence that his team had executed parts of their plan effectively.

“If you can remember Sithole’s cross, where Dion connected well, it is something we worked on. It was similar to Renaldo’s cross, where Alwande did not connect well,” he said.

“We knew that if we stayed wide, they would be open in the box. We created clearer chances than them, so I thought we deserved at least maximum points this afternoon.”

The stalemate leaves Chiefs having dropped further points in the title race, with the match also marked by a missed penalty.

Dladla was nevertheless pleased with Arrows’ defensive performance and said the clean sheet reflected progress, although he stressed that his players needed to turn their chances into victories.

“We know what we are working on as a team and the areas we need to improve,” he added.

“We managed to keep a clean sheet, but sometimes you just need to score one goal and take maximum points.”