Thabo Cele Highlights Transition Defence as Kaizer Chiefs’ Main Focus Despite Perfect Start

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele has revealed that the team is working hard to address a key defensive weakness despite their strong start to the Betway Premiership season. Chiefs have won their opening two matches, but Cele insists that transition defence remains a concern.

Speaking at a press conference at the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena on Monday ahead of their clash with Richards Bay at FNB Stadium, Cele outlined the team’s tactical focus.

“Our problem has been conceding on transitions, so we are trying to be in control, especially in the opponents’ half more so that we can create more opportunities and maintain control in the opponents’ half,” Cele said. “Those are the things we are trying to improve on tactically. Playing for this club, the expectations will always be there, and we are here because we want to handle the expectations and feed people what they are expecting, which is good results.”

Cele admitted that while the team has yet to concede in their first two games, they are focused on reducing the number of chances opponents create. “Obviously, not everything will be perfect, and we are trying to improve in how we play, how we create opportunities, and how we avoid conceding. It is important for a team like us to win home games. It will help improve the numbers at the stadium because FNB is a huge stadium. For us, good results and performances will bring a better atmosphere. We want teams to feel it is our home.”

The midfielder also highlighted the importance of squad depth and competition. “I think in every position it is important to have competition. It makes us better. If you look at our games, we have a lot of fixtures, so we need that squad depth in every position. With the midfield you can see that there is depth and competition, which is healthy for the team. Playing in so many competitions, we want to compete everywhere, so it is important.”

Cele reflected on the positive start to the season and how the group is building momentum. “I feel like at the beginning of the season it is important to build a foundation for things to come. It has been positive, and we are trying to maintain and improve. We told ourselves that we want to start on a positive note, and we are grateful we managed to get those results. It is a collective because we are growing together as a team.”

He also underlined the impact of the Netherlands preseason camp, crediting it for building chemistry and tactical cohesion within the squad. “Back in Holland, the pre-season was about trying to create the bond within the team knowing that it will help us, and it is helping us already. We just want to move forward as a team and get good results. Tactically, we are trying to keep the positive things from last season, while also implementing new things. We want to control and dominate games so that matches don’t become too difficult for us and we avoid many transitions.”

Chiefs will now aim to extend their winning run when they host Richards Bay at FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening. A victory would not only preserve their perfect start but also reinforce their growing identity under the current technical team.