ANDREW MUCHINERIPI, Johannesburg | Monday 11.30am.
Orlando Pirates (0) 1 (Dennis Lota 78) Kaizer Chiefs (0) 0
THE expected signing of former striker Pollen Ndlanya this week will offer hope to disillusioned Kaizer Chiefs supporters and embattled Turkish coach Muhsin Ertugral.
A side that banged in goals with remarkable regularity a few seasons ago thanks to the dynamic duo of Shane MacGregor and Fani Madida has lost its way inside the penalty area.
No goals when drawing with Hellenic and Bush Bucks, one when losing to Ajax Cape Town and another blank sheet against great rivals Orlando Pirates in a Castle Premiership clash as flat as beer left lying in the midday sun.
Ndlanya has bought out his contract after an unpleasant stay with Turkish club Goztepspor and all that apparently remains is for the Amakhosi to agree terms with the Bafana Bafana striker.
I expressed scepticism when Ertugral spoke of ”turning the corner” after a four-goal victory over poor travellers Classic at Johannesburg Stadium this month. Subsequent events speak for themselves.
Perhaps I am mistaken, but it seems the job is too big for a tall, slim man whose knowledge of African football was limited to a brief spell in charge of Zaire at the 1996 Nations Cup.
Chiefs have gone backwards since losing Paul Dolezar to Sundowns in mid-year. There is no consistency in selection, much-hyped Cameron striker Halidou Malam has not finished a match, and substitutes are substituted. Panic rules okay!
Pirates won an eminently forgettable Soweto derby when in-form Zambian striker Dennis Lota latched on to a Brandon Silent pass, outpaced Patrick Mabedi and Mohammed Ouseb and rounded Brian Baloyi before tapping the ball in.