We lost a lot of duels and that cost us, says Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Kaze after Stellenbosch defeat

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze believes his team’s failure to win the aerial battle cost them dearly in their 2-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC at the DHL Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The defending champions were dumped out of the Nedbank Cup, courtesy of an Ibraheem Jabaar penalty and a screamer from Devin Titus within the first quarter of the game.

Although Chiefs managed to pull one back through a penalty of their own in the second half, they could not find the equalizer to push the Round of 32 into extra-time.

“I think that we didn't enter well in the game. And as we knew that we were playing a team that loves to play long balls and duels and a lot of fighting on second balls. We didn't manage that well enough,” Kaze said.

“We didn't win enough duels. We didn't win enough second balls. And as well, when we had the opportunity to play, we wanted as well to play long. And that cost us as well the first 20 minutes. We lost a lot of duels. We conceded two goals that I believe were avoidable.”

Kick off was delayed by 30 minutes due to fans being stuck in the traffic congestion outside the stadium, but Kaze did not want to make any excuses for his team’s slow start.

“Those delays are never good for teams,” he said. “As, you know, the momentum, the concentration, the focus on the game.

“But I said, I don't want to find any excuse for the defeat, but it's very tough. I'm so proud of the players.

“They did everything they can. But in our situation, it's very tough to play every three days and even to play every three days with the trips that we are doing. And sometimes, you know, the players are taking time to get into the game.

“And even before the game, we emphasise that we need to get straight into the game. But, you know, there is no excuse. And we have to bear with that and to keep going forward.”