Following a string of disappointing and topsy-turvy results, under pressure Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki is presumably overwhelmed with relief as he has a three-week break to get his house in order and restore the long-lost hope at Naturena.
Amakhosi have been visibly blowing hot and cold since the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign, which has since seen some of their supporters in agony and growing frustrated at the poor performances.
The club has also been attending hearings with the PSL disciplinary commitee for spectator misconduct.
With new acquisition Sibongiseni “Ox” Mthethwa the only player called up for international duty so far after being named in coach Hugo Broos’ 23-man squad that will face Eswatini and Ivory Coast in two friendly matches, that means Ntseki has the core of his squad at his disposal and has ample time to find the right combinations.
This week, after their 1-0 defeat to Cape Town City, the former Bafana national team coach said he hoped the long international break would, in his words, give them time to heal.
“Time heals. The two weeks that we’ll be working with the players will also give them time to heal,” Ntseki said. “When we prepare, we always prepare to win but in football you win some and you lose some.”
Even with the long break seemingly advantageous for all teams, things will not get any easier for Ntseki and his Glamour Boys, as they will be facing a mammoth task on their return to action in the DStv Premiership when they travel to Hammarsdale, in Kwazulu-Natal, to face high-flying Golden Arrows at the Mpumalanga Stadium on 28 October.
Arrows are having a dream start to their season as they went into the Fifa break occupying position number two and the closest team, alongside SuperSport United, to keep Masandawana on their toes.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
