Mabotsa questions Chiefs’ three-man defence after another draw

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Isaac Mabotsa says he is surprised by Fernando Da Cruz’s continued use of a three-man defence after Amakhosi were held to another goalless draw by Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership on Sunday.

The result was Chiefs’ fourth league draw of the season, with only Golden Arrows and Chippa United having drawn more matches in the division, on five each.

Chiefs missed the chance to claim all three points when Lebohang Maboe’s first-half penalty was saved by Golden Arrows goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa.

The latest dropped points have increased concern among Chiefs supporters. Da Cruz’s side are now seven points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, although they have played one match fewer, and six points adrift of Orlando Pirates after the same number of games.

Mabotsa believes the team’s formation has been one of the most unexpected aspects of their campaign, particularly because Da Cruz has regularly selected three centre-backs even against teams considered to be less strong.

“They drew again, in terms of expectations, they are not doing well,” Mabotsa told KickOff.

“I’m surprised (by the formation), I’ve never seen that since I’ve known Chiefs, during our time and even before our generation. We just have to give him time but at the time the team is not doing well, it’s another thing.”

Mabotsa calls for improvement

The former Amakhosi defender said Chiefs’ run of results was below the standard expected of a club aiming to compete with Sundowns and Pirates.

“Football is three ways, win, lose or draw but when we draw (a lot)…we want to see Chiefs up there, competing with Sundowns and Pirates. To be honest it is not a good run,” he said.

Mabotsa added that the players might still be adapting to Da Cruz’s tactical approach, but felt the system had yet to produce the desired performances.

“I don’t think they are playing at their best, (maybe) they are still adjusting to the system. You can look around the world, there are very few teams who playing three at the back,” he said.

“It’s always 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1, 4-4-2 or something like that but not three at the back. For me they have not performed but as I said, maybe they are still trying to adjust to the system but at the moment is tough,” Mabotsa added.

Club football is currently paused because of the FIFA International break.