Molefi Ntseki credits tactical cohesion for improved Kaizer Chiefs defense

Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki says the four clean sheets they have kept in the league with number one goalkeeper Brandon Petersen also playing a huge contribution in that area, have come as a result of this new understanding.

Ntseki has also been consistent with his back four of Given Msimango, Thatoyane Dithlokwe, Sifiso Hlanti with Zitha Kwinika alternating with Reeve Frosler.

"I think the most important thing is for a tactical cohesion that you build in the players. The understanding, when you build a team there has to be that understanding between players. There has to be that understanding as an individual in terms of what are the tactical demands out of possession and in possession and I think when you look at how they played in the past matches, there is a very clear understanding between them," Ntseki said.

In an effort to solidify the defense, Ntseki also revealed why he’s stuck with a more defensive Kwinika in recent matches on the right as a natural fullback and brings in Reeve Frosler as a substitute to help drive the attack as a wingback.

"Kwinika gives us more balance in defense. That is why when we wanted to take the game to Royal AM, we brought in Reeve who will always be giving us more options going forward. It was just for Reeve to get more involved in the game and also, I think our possession game in attack became better with Reeve coming in.

But I think they've done very well defensively and like I said it is not only about our defense, it is also about the whole team. If we press properly from the front, if we will deal very well with the midfield defending and if we go into our defensive line and the goalkeeper. I think that is a very important understanding that you need to develop in your players."