Da Silva: Kaizer Chiefs Coach Makes 'Penalty Box Striker' Admission After Win

Kaizer Chiefs co-head coach Cedric Kaze has lauded the match-winning impact of Flavio Da Silva, whose late goal secured a vital 1-0 victory over Durban City at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.

The Portuguese striker, who was introduced as a second-half substitute, proved to be the difference-maker in a tight affair, vindicating the coaching staff's belief in his specific abilities.

 The win breaks a frustrating run of form for the Soweto giants and propels them firmly back into the Betway Premiership title race.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Amakhosi were struggling to break down a resilient Durban City side and looked destined for a fifth consecutive league match without a win, a streak that included three draws and a loss. 

The match itself was a difficult watch, a "turgid" encounter that Kaze later admitted was far from a great advertisement for the Premiership, lacking clear-cut chances and fluid attacking play.

Just as the supporters began resigning themselves to a goalless draw, Chiefs produced the game's one true moment of decisive quality. With just three minutes left on the clock, Gaston Sirino whipped in a dangerous cross from the right wing. 

Da Silva, lurking with intent, rose highest in the box to connect perfectly, powering a superb header past Durban City goalkeeper Darren Keet. The goal, his third in just four league appearances, sent the Amakhosi bench into raptures.

Speaking to SuperSport TV after the final whistle, Kaze expressed his delight that the faith shown in the striker had paid dividends, highlighting that his skillset was exactly what the game required.

“We know that Silva is a (penalty) box striker,” Kaze said.

The co-head coach elaborated on the 28-year-old’s recent struggles and the technical team's unwavering belief in his value. 

“He is always there on crosses or on rebounds. He was injured … and we couldn’t give him more minutes. But he is a player we trust and who we know can give us a lot,” he said as quoted by The Citizen.

Kaze was candid about his team's sluggish performance, attributing the lack of sharpness to their continental exertions last weekend. The club had secured a hard-fought win over AS Simba to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup group stages, and Kaze admitted that draining encounter had taken its toll.

“Saturday was a tough game mentally and physically,” he said.

Despite the flat performance, Kaze emphasized the importance of securing the result, contrasting it with previous matches where dominance did not translate into points. 

“Today we were not at our best but the league is a marathon and you need to win when you are not at your best. In other games we have had 70 percent possession and 20 shots .. and we didn’t win. These are the kinds of game where you need the three points,” he added.

The victory moves Chiefs to within just two points of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Kaze concluded that the win was crucial not only for the points but for reinforcing the positive momentum gained from their African success.

“This was a very important win,” he added. 

“We are coming from three draws and a loss. It was very important to build on the momentum from the CAF game. We are very happy we got three points today.”