As the Betway Premiership kicks off, Marumo Gallants head coach, Dan Malesela, is preparing his team for an exciting opener against Kaizer Chiefs
The much-anticipated clash will take place on September 14 at the Toyota Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein
Malesela is hard at work, studying Kaizer Chiefs’ tactics under their new coach, Nasreddine Nabi, to give his team the best chance in this high-profile match.
Malesela’s Approach to Facing Kaizer Chiefs
At the recent Betway Premiership launch event, Malesela shared his thoughts on facing Kaizer Chiefs
He expressed his enthusiasm for the opener, saying, “It’s a blessing in disguise that we’re playing Kaizer Chiefs first. Every supporter will want to be at the stadium, and it’s a great chance for us to prove ourselves
For Malesela, this match is an opportunity to showcase Marumo Gallants' readiness for the top level of football.
When asked how he’s preparing for the Chiefs, Malesela jokingly responded, “For Kaizer Chiefs? I know, I’ve seen (laughs). No, I’m kidding
He explained that his team has been analyzing how Nabi’s previous teams played, but admitted that predicting their exact approach is tricky
“There’s been a change of personnel, so you can’t read too much into their past games. Things tend to change, even on match day. We’ll focus on our strategy and adapt as the game unfolds,” Malesela added.
Kaizer Chiefs’ New Signings: A Shift in Strategy
Kaizer Chiefs have made several new signings that could shift the dynamics of the squad ahead of the season opener
Key additions include Bradley Cross, Inacio Miguel, Gaston Sirino, Bongani Sam, Rushwin Dortley, and Fiacre Ntwari
Additionally, Njabulo Blom has returned on loan, bringing extra experience to the team
These signings suggest a clear restructuring within the squad, especially in defense.
Strengthening the Defence: What the New Players Bring
Bradley Cross, a versatile player who can operate as both a left-back and a central defender, brings flexibility to the defense
Rushwin Dortley, another left-footed centre-back who can also play as a left-back, adds further depth
Bongani Sam, known for his attacking runs down the left flank, will likely push forward from left-back, while Fiacre Ntwari joins as a new goalkeeper to solidify the backline
Meanwhile, Njabulo Blom, traditionally a holding midfielder, can also slot in at right-back if needed.
Future Squad Prospects and Nabi’s Strategy
With such a significant influx of talent, questions arise about how these changes will affect the current players in the squad
Coach Nasreddine Nabi has indicated that the team is still actively searching for more players to strengthen specific positions
The reshuffling in the defense, along with new arrivals, signals that Chiefs are gearing up for a competitive season, aiming for a balanced and well-prepared squad
Only time will tell how these signings and tactical adjustments will play out on the field.
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