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Kaizer Chiefs to test away form as coach Da Cruz makes defensive admission

Kaizer Chiefs are away in their next two matches
Kaizer Chiefs are away in their next two matchesKaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs will hope to take some excellent recent away form into their next two fixtures, which are both on the road against Polokwane City and Lamontville Golden Arrows.

Chiefs have taken 10 points from a possible 12 on their travels in their last four away games, dating back to the tail end of last season.

They go to Polokwane City on Saturday and then Durban to face Golden Arrows the following weekend. 

They have wins at Sekhukhune United (2-0), AmaZulu (1-0) and Kruger United (3-1), as well as a 2-2 draw at Richards Bay in a game they probably should have won.

The AmaKhosi, who always enjoy excellent away support, were pretty handy on the road last season, with the second-best record behind only eventual champions Orlando Pirates.

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They lost only two of their 15 away trips, winning eight and drawing five. Those two defeats came at Richards Bay and Siwelele.

Much of that success has been built around a tight defence, and coach Fernando Da Cruz has been testing his options in that regard this season, switching between a back four and three central defenders.

“I’m happy that we are able to play in two systems. But for the moment, it's related to injured players,” he said. “Sometimes it will depend on the opponent and the profile of their players.

“Sometimes we can play with three, sometimes we can play with four (at the back), and I’m happy that the team is able to play in different systems. We will not play with five at the back all season.”

Nick Said has been covering African sport for almost three decades, specialising in football, rugby and cricket. He is based in Cape Town, South Africa and you can follow him on X and LinkedIn.