Kaizer Chiefs keeping three successive league clean sheets has shown a remarkable improvement from their defence, as KickOff reveals why the Soweto giants have been consistent.
A rarity since Nasreddine Nabi took over, Chiefs have been able to keep the same goalkeeper and back four in all the wins over Stellenbosch FC, Polokwane City and Richards Bay FC.
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A problem position for the side was left-back, with none of Cross, Edmilson Dove, and Happy Mashiane made it their own, hence the club prioritised signing left-backs for competition, in Nkanyiso Shinga and Paseka Mako.
It seems competition for places at left-back has lifted Cross' game, with the former Golden Arrows man the standout performer against Stellies, as evidenced by his incredible defensive stats.
He had a 100% rate in terms of tackles won, the best in the game of any player who attempted three or more tackles.
The 24-year-old also had the best aerial duels stat, with 83% of the aerial duels won, after coming out tops in five out of six aerial battles, and also had the most interceptions (4) of both sets of teams.
Cross also was second only to Simphiwe Mcineka in aerial duels won against Richards Bay, at 80%, as he won four out of five challenges in the air.
Surprisingly, Gaston Sirino - Man of the Match in Tuesday's match after scoring the only goal - had the best tackles won rate (100%), winning three out of three tackles. He was followed by Inacio Miguel, who was also had a perfect tackling rate, winning two out of his two tackles.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
