The 4-1 win for Kaizer Chiefs over Cape Town City on Saturday came at the right time, but coach Giovanni Solinas must consider introducing Mario Booysen to lead his defence.
These are the sentiments of former Amakhosi defender Patrick Mayo, who spoke to Goal on Sunday, saying the victory has boosted the club's morale in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
“I think the win will boost their confidence. It's been long without winning and they will be high in morale going to their next match,” Mayo told Goal.
“The confidence will be there and the victory was long overdue. Playing five games with no win was not good for them, but sometimes a poor start doesn't matter in the league because it is a marathon – it's how you finish and I hope they will keep improving from now on,” said the former Bafana Bafana international.
Reflecting on how the Soweto giants conceded their goal which was converted by Matthew Rusike, Mayo believes it is time to start introducing Booysen to play together with Siyabonga Ngezana.
Next Match
A well-drilled corner kick found Rusike who beat Itumeleng Khune on his near post.
“I think Cardoso must be rested like I told you the last time. I know it will look like I have a thing against him, but you cannot sign Mario and bench him,” continued the legend.
“That defence needs someone who will marshal, be vocal, lead and Mario is the best one because Ngezana is still young and Cardoso is found wanting in most cases,” he noted.
“You saw how City scored, I think he didn't pick up Rusike on the near post and, Mario should be given a chance to prove himself,” reacted the former Mthatha Bucks player.
“If you look at the defence, there is no communication and it looks like Khune is the only one left to do everything and Mario can bring some stability in my view,” he added.
“The midfield and the strikers cannot do the job if the back line is not really strong. There should be some stability in that defence for them to keep doing well,” Mayo told Goal.
“On (Lebogang) Manyama, he is a good signing for them without a doubt and he contributed in the game to such an extent nobody noticed there was no (Siphiwe) Tshabalala,” added the former SuperSport United man.
“He is experienced and having him will pay dividends as the season progresses. He delivered a great set-piece which led to their first goal on his debut against his former team – he did well in my view,” concluded Mayo.
