Exclusive: Shongwe Urges Kaizer Chiefs to Fix Finishing, Not Rush January Signings

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper William Shongwe feels the club’s improved defensive organisation has provided the platform for what has been their most promising start to a season in several years, even though he maintains that progress is still needed in attack.

After a campaign that began with more optimism than expectation, Chiefs have pieced together a series of encouraging displays, reaching the near midway point of the season in a solid fourth place, just four points adrift of table-toppers Orlando Pirates.

Improved start to the season

Although the journey has not been without its challenges, there are clear positives for Amakhosi to carry into the Christmas break, particularly when measured against their struggles and eventual finish last season.

Shongwe has been encouraged by the improvements shown by his former club in what has been a noticeably stronger campaign. 

Speaking to SportsBoom.co.za, he admitted that several aspects of the team’s performances have stood out for him.

“I have been very impressed, and there is a lot that they have been doing right.”

“You only have to look at their position in the league and the difference between them and the team leading the way. They might be fourth, but the points gap is narrow, and we haven’t seen such a performance from Chiefs in a few years.”

“What has been noticeable is their defensive work. There are more clean sheets than there were at this time last season. There are changes here and there, but there is a little bit more consistency.”

Despite the progress made, Shongwe was adamant that there remains significant room for improvement, particularly in the final third.

“What is not working, and not because of a lack of effort, has been the scoring of goals. It is one thing not to score because you are not creating chances, but they are, and it was the same problem they had last season.”

“They were the most offensive team and had the most entries into the box, but they weren’t able to create the right scoring chances.”

“This season they are just behind Orlando Pirates in top entries, and now they are creating chances but not scoring them. What I see is work in progress.”

“There is a visible plan, and I just hope the coaches will be able to learn and identify what is missing and focus on that to make sure there is an improvement in taking chances in front of goal.”

Second-best defensive record in the league

After finishing with the third-worst joint defensive record last season, Chiefs have made notable strides in tightening up at the back. With 13 matches played, they currently boast the second-best defensive record (6) in the league, behind only Pirates (5).

The former shot-stopper highlighted that the team’s improved structure has cut down on costly errors, singling out club captain Brandon Petersen for praise for his performances in goal, while also noting that the defence as a whole has become more clinical.

“There has been an improvement in the middle. Most of the mistakes were created from their own build-up. They were not clinical in that phase and lost the ball at critical stages of the build-up, where there is hardly time to recover.”

“If the problems in the middle weren’t solved, Brandon would still be having problems this season. Brandon was still the best; he only lost his position due to the mistakes that were happening on the field.”

“His game has improved in terms of goals conceded because the team overall has improved. He was not bad, but he was exposed by his own teammates previously.”

The January transfer window

With the January transfer window approaching, Shongwe believes Chiefs should prioritise making better use of their current squad before seeking reinforcements, especially after a busy recruitment period at the start of the season.

“There are players they signed at the beginning of the season who haven’t touched the ball. For me, that is what they need to deal with before they rush to see who else they can sign.”

“The squad is very impressive, and you do not have to tamper too much with it. There is enough quality in the attacking force and midfield, and there is enough depth in defence. You just need to get them working and united.”