Ex-Kaizer Chiefs forward reveals why strikers struggle at Amakhosi - 'There is no time to settle'

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Tshepo Bulu has explained why centre-forwards sometimes find it hard to impress at Amakhosi.

Pressure, Bulu says, is one of the big challenges Amakhosi strikers face, because instant impact is expected from them. The retired footballer also says there is a need to adapt to changing football terrain, where strikers are solely expected to score.

“To be a Chiefs striker, you need a character that can withstand pressure; the expectations at Chiefs are extremely high,” Bulu told KickOff. 

“Football is changing; these days, midfielders and defenders shoot from range to try to score instead of just passing the ball to the strikers," he added.

“Being a Kaizer Chiefs striker is not easy. There are no friendly games at Kaizer Chiefs; every match is scrutinised by the fans. Strikers often find it hard to settle in because there’s no time for that."

Bulu also looked back and revealed what his time at Naturena was like.

“I remember joining Chiefs; my first training session with the team was on a Thursday. I was recommended by Cyril Nzama, whom I grew up with in Pimville. I did well in set pieces that day. The following week, I continued with my trial. Coach Kosta Papic wanted to sign me, but I was told to wait; the club was expecting the new coach, Muhsin Ertugral, to make his own decision regarding my signing. I was informed that Papic's contract would not be extended," he stated.

“Bobby Motaung told me, ‘We can’t sign you now since there will be a new coach very soon.’ I ended up training with Chiefs for almost a month."

Although Bulu believes he was talented enough, he said being played in an unnatural position hindered his progress.

“They signed me because of my talent, even though the new coach saw me as a winger or a number 10 rather than a target man. I was advised not to stay close to the opposition defenders," the 40-year-old said.

“Personally, what hindered my progress at Chiefs were the injuries. I’m talking about long-term injuries. In my first season, before the league even started, I got injured—an Achilles tendon injury. As a result, I didn’t play the entire season and only made an appearance in the last league game against Black Leopards," Bulu continued.

“I was competing for a position with Kaizer Junior, Jose Torrealba, Serge Djiehoua, David Radebe, Rotsen Kilambe, and Shaun Bartlett.”

Since Serbian striker Samir Nurkovic left in 2022, Amakhosi have struggled to replace him with an equally lethal centre-forward.

In his first season, head coach Nasreddine Nabi pointed out the inefficiency in his striking department, and this, he said, affected their ability to challenge for titles.

Nabi heavily depended on Glody Lilepo, and at times, Wandile Duba stepped up to score crucial goals.

Chiefs are yet to announce their new signings, and it is expected that a striker will be among those who will be brought on board.

Going forward, Nabi will be judged by how effective his new signings will be because he is expected to have a say on who can be signed.