Kaizer Chiefs Midfielder Thabo Cele Discusses Tackling Defensive Weaknesses
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele has identified defensive transitions as the team’s key area for improvement, despite their strong start to the 2025/2026 Betway Premiership season. Speaking ahead of their game against Richards Bay on Tuesday, Cele discussed how the team is working to fix this issue.
Defensive Transitions Remain a Key Focus
While Chiefs have enjoyed a perfect start, Cele acknowledged that conceding goals during transitions is still a major concern. He explained that the team is focused on controlling the game more effectively, especially in the opponents’ half, to reduce the risk of counter-attacks.
“We’re working on controlling the game in the opponent’s half to create more chances,” Cele said during a press conference at the Kaizer Chiefs Village. “The main issue has been conceding on transitions, so we’re trying to improve tactically to prevent that.”
The technical team has been implementing various tactical changes aimed at addressing this defensive vulnerability, which Cele believes will be key for the team’s success.
Team Unity and Squad Depth: Key for Success
Cele also reflected on the growing unity within the squad, which has been bolstered by the team’s preseason camp in the Netherlands. He noted that the bond between players is helping them perform better together.
“It’s been positive, and we’re aiming to keep improving,” Cele shared. “We want to start the season on a good note, and we’re grateful for the results so far.”
He also highlighted the importance of squad depth. With the team competing in various competitions, Cele emphasized that healthy competition within the squad is vital for maintaining high performance throughout the season.
“There’s healthy competition in midfield, and that’s crucial for us,” Cele explained. “It’s important for every position because we want to compete in every competition.”
Strong Home Record: A Vital Ingredient for Success
As Chiefs prepare for their home game at FNB Stadium, Cele stressed the importance of maintaining a strong home record. He believes that winning at home will not only improve results but also boost the atmosphere at FNB Stadium.
“We need to win home games. It’ll improve the stadium atmosphere and attract more fans,” Cele said. “FNB is a massive stadium, and we want to make it feel like our home.”
Tactical Evolution and Control: The Key to Dominance
Tactically, Cele stated that the team is building on the positive aspects of last season while adding new elements to their game. He emphasized that Chiefs are aiming to control matches and avoid giving the opposition opportunities to exploit defensive transitions.
“We want to control games and dominate them,” Cele concluded. “By doing that, we can reduce the risk of transitions and make things easier for ourselves.”
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Kaizer Chiefs’ strong start to the season shows promise. However, with defensive transitions still an issue, the team remains focused on tactical improvements. With a deep squad and a commitment to building unity, Chiefs are setting their sights on continued success.
Do you think Kaizer Chiefs can maintain their momentum and fix their defensive flaws? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
