Cape Town City failed to score for the third game in a row under new coach Jan Olde Riekerink, as they went down 1-0 to Chippa United on Saturday.
The hosts started the game on the front foot at a windy Athlone Stadium, with winger Riyaad Norodien forcing an early save from goalkeeper Veli Mothwa.
But City were undone in the 22 minute when Chippa centre-forward Augustine Kwem turned defender Taariq Fielies inside the box to fire past Sage Stephens in goal for what turned out to be the decider.
The hosts’ own target man, Mark Mayambela, couldn’t reproduce the same kind of magic inside of the area as City struggled to create clear-cut chances.
PROBLEMS: Jan Olde Riekerink. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/Reuters.
Without the movement of injured Kermit Erasmus up front, City couldn’t open up the Chippa defence.
And the players seem to be finding it tough to adapt to Riekerink’s new tactical plan as he looks to sure up the leakiest defence in the PSL.
With more emphasis on their defensive discipline, City have lost their threat going forward.
IN THE WIN: Augustine Kwem of Chippa United celebrates his goal with the bench. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix.
Still, the Dutch boss feels that his side are improving.
The former Galatasaray coach says: “We played our best game since I became coach. But football is about creating chances and shooting on the goal. And I think that was lacking.”
They came closest with long-range efforts from Thabo Nodada and fit-again Chris David in the second half, but gloveman Mothwa was up to the challenge.
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/Asiphelelanga?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Asiphelelanga🌶️🔥🌶️ #Sikubooo🌶️🌶️🌶️ #PrideOfEasternCape🌶️🌶️🔥🔥 #AyeyeChilliboysAyeye🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/7k7r4IY49z
— Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC)
After just two wins in 14 games, 13th-placed City will look to get back to winning ways when they travel to Wits next week for their last game of the year.