With seven league goals conceded this season - the joint third-highest in the Betway Premiership log table, Kaizer Chiefs are in need of immediate solutions at the back.
Amakhosi were hammered 4-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarter-final of the Carling Knockout. The massacre was a stark reminder of the challenges Chiefs have faced this season in their defensive structure.
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After five matches, Chiefs are sitting eighth on the Premiership table with two wins from their last five outings. While their current tally of eight goals is somewhat among the highest tallies so far, an alarming seven goals have been conceded.
For context, Chiefs had conceded just two goals after five matches at the start of the 23/24 season.
The current conceding crisis could be attributed to various factors such as inconsistency in their defensive line. Chiefs spent the majority of last season with Given Msimango and Thatayone Ditlhokwe as the preferred centre-back pairing.
That duo has since been replaced by new signings Inacio Miguel and Rushwin Dortley. Bradley Cross is another new addition to the back line, replacing Sfiso Hlanti. The trio all arrived in the new season and perhaps are still finding their feet and chemistry.
Added to the mix, is Fiacre Ntwari in goal, who is also a new face, in a defensive line that has only played together for several months, with Reeve Frosler at right-back being the only regular.
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Nevertheless, this will be an area of concern for head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who will be aiming to use the FIFA break to find a solution for closing the tap if Amakhosi will have a good season.
The Tunisian-Belgian may benefit from the international break as a chance to figure out remedies for the escalating situation that could prove fatal if left unattended or hold out until the January transfer window for reinforcements.