Du Preez eyes sharper finishing as Chiefs target return to winning ways with AmaZulu scalp
Betway Premiership
Kaizer Chiefs striker Ashley du Preez is to play an important role if the giants are going to salvage their season. | Itumeleng English Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Newspapers
Kaizer Chiefs striker Ashley du Preez has emphasised the need to sharpen up in front of goal as Amakhosi look to return to winning ways in the Betway Premiership.
Chiefs have gone two league matches without a victory, and as they prepare to face AmaZulu at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday (7pm kickoff), the pressure is back on them to build on what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.
Despite the positives in their performances so far, Amakhosi have struggled for goals, managing only seven in as many matches. Their good results have been largely supported by a more organised defensive structure, which has limited the number of goals conceded and helped them grind out narrow wins.
A 3-1 defeat to Sekhukhune United halted their momentum and was followed by a frustrating 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants. Their most convincing display remains the 2-0 win over Stellenbosch FC on the opening weekend, but their inability to convert chances has already cost them valuable points, as it did against Siwelele sa Marumo.
It is not a new issue either. Last season, the Glamour Boys scored just 25 goals in 28 league fixtures — a statistic that underlined their lack of cutting edge in attack.
Du Preez is confident, however, that the team has the players to solve that problem, stressing that the finishing touch will come with more work on the training ground.
“We have good players upfront, and as a team, we are working on scoring goals in games,” Du Preez said.
“We are working in training, and we have quality players who can score a lot of goals. It is just about the process we need to work on in training and then take it into matches. But definitely, as a team, we are working on it.”
The forward endured a difficult spell last season due to injuries that interrupted his rhythm, but he has started seeing more game time this campaign under the guidance of co-assistant/interim coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. His versatility has also been an asset in a squad stacked with attacking talent.
Competition is fierce, with Wandile Duba, Khanyisa Mayo, Tashreeq Morris and Flavio da Silva all pushing for places. Du Preez admits he must raise his own game to stand out, particularly by improving his composure in the final third.
“Looking at the games I have played in terms of passes and assists, I have been creating chances. It is just the composure when I am in the final third, and collectively we are working on it.
“But individually, to be honest, I need to work very hard on converting the chances I create,” he said.
“We have a lot of players upfront. The likes of Mayo and Silva are good, they are big strikers, and my role in that position is to play on the left or as the number nine. Playing with them is a bonus because I can link up with them, as my strength is getting behind the defence and creating chances.”