Kaizer Chiefs have gone into the latest FIFA break with their tails between their legs after suffering defeat in the Soweto derby with plenty questions about several players in their squad as the January window approaches.
Chiefs have had a bad start to the season which has already led to the sacking of Molefi Ntseki with Cavin Johnson taking over in the interim.
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With 16 games played in all competitions so far, Chiefs have lost more games than they have won with eight defeat and five wins (plus three draws).
While there have been technical team changes, those that are tasked with taking to the field will also be looking themselves in the mirror during this two-week break.
Goalkeeping:
This department has never been an issue but has suddenly been of concern with Brandon Petersen not convincing with his performances littered with blunders.
Unfortunately, whenever Itumeleng Khune has played, the veteran keeper has conceded and is now without a clean sheet in his last 10 appearances.
Bruce Bvuma – who turns 29 on his next birthday – hasn't grown out of the comforts of being a cover-up option and has not played for over a year.
With so much uncharacteristic issues there has been speculation of a new keeper signing for next season.
Defence:
Thatayaone Ditlhokwe has quietly gone about his duties to good effect just like fellow off-season arrival Given Msimango.
Reeve Frosler has been 'just okay' at right-back just like Sifiso Hlanti on the left.
Edmilson Dove, Zitha Kwinika, Dillan Solomons, and Njabuko Ngcobo have provided cover.
New signing Luke Fleurs is yet to play while Aiden McCarthy and Happy Mashiane are both still waiting to play.
Midfield:
Edson Castillo has been miles ahead of everyone and stands out as the best player at the club so far since arriving from Venezuela during the off-season.
There haven't been any issues in doing the defensive midfield duties for Sibongiseni Mthethwa which explains why he is in the Bafana squad.
For Pule Mmodi besides the three goals that he has scored, there hasn't been much else seen from him.
Other off-season arrivals Mduduzi Mdantsane and Tebogo Potsane are yet to step and show what brought them to Chiefs.
Keagan Dolly has just returned from injury and will need to carry the team on his shoulders going forward considering his earnings and high profile.
Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Sabelo both need to grow beyond being youngsters just like teenage prospect Mduduzi Shabalala.
Siyethemba Sithebe has delivered little at Chiefs and his struggles this season suggest he might be better off elsewhere.
Yusuf Maart has done the basics to good effect so it's a clean pass mark for him while Lehlogonolo Matlou he needs to play more consistent than he has done so that he establishes himself and shows all his qualities.
Forwards:
Issues aplenty for Chiefs upfront with Colombian striker Efmamjjasond Gonzalez having struggled and still to score up to now while Ranga Chivaviro has a single goal from 10 appearances (450 minutes of game time).
Below par returns from the two off-season signings.
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For all the minutes that Christian Saile Basomboli has gotten with 627 to his name, the Congolese has only scored twice while Ashley du Preez has been on target thrice from 912 minutes of game time which means he averages a single strike every 300 minutes.