Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel praises Dillon Sheppard influence after winning start

Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel says the decision to add Dillon Sheppard to the club’s technical team has played an important part in their perfect start to the Betway Premiership season.

Chiefs have won their opening two matches, beating Kruger United and Sekhukhune United, and Miguel believes Sheppard’s knowledge of South African football has helped a young squad settle quickly.

Speaking to the media at Naturena on Thursday afternoon, the Angola international also credited the arrival of new players and the positive atmosphere within the group.

“We have good mood, we have good energy. Of course, bringing new staff, new coaches. I think it’s important to mention also, a lot of people ask me what I think about the new signings and what about the new players. I think not taking out the credit of the new players and the new energy that we have on the team. I think an important thing that happened this season was the fact that coach Sheppy (Dillon Sheppard) is with us,” he told the media.

Sheppard previously worked as a DStv Diski Challenge coach and has now joined the Chiefs technical staff. Miguel said his experience of the domestic league and his understanding of the country made his appointment especially valuable, particularly with Chiefs operating under a foreign head coach and foreign coaching staff.

“I always say it’s very important to bring someone to the team that understands the league, that understands the country. I think the fans, the supporters, they don’t even realise how important it is to have someone that comes from the DDC. You realise that you have a very young squad, so you need someone that knows how to deal with the new players. Especially when you have a foreign coach and a foreigner staff.”

Miguel described Sheppard’s appointment as a significant decision by the club’s board and chairman. He said the coach had contributed to a freer style of play and had brought renewed energy to the squad.

“For me, that was a very, very important decision made by the board and the chairman that decided to bring Sheppy. I’m very happy with the fact that Sheppy is with us and he’s bringing a lot of good vibes, good energy. You can see by the game, you can see by the young squad that we have, the players, they play free. I think that was one important thing that changed from the last season to this season,” he continued.

The defender also pointed to the team’s training camp as an important moment in building unity before the competitive campaign began. He said the connection developed during the camp had been evident throughout pre-season as well as in Chiefs’ opening fixtures.

“Obviously, the camp was very important to create that bond, to create that connection. You can see, not only about this game last night, but about all the games in the pre-season. We have a team that is very, very connected, very compact. Something that was lacking a little bit in the past few seasons, so I think we are in a good way. Obviously, it’s a long road, it’s a long journey, but I’m pretty sure that we will achieve something beautiful this season,” Miguel concluded.

Kaizer Chiefs’ next test will be against Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.