Zwane wary of rust as Chiefs prepare for PSL return

Zwane wary of rust as Chiefs prepare for PSL return

Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane is mindful that the six-week break may have affected his charges' sharpness as they prepare to face Golden Arrows this weekend.

The DStv Premiership resumes this Friday with log leaders and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns taking on Orlando Pirates, after the FIFA World Cup-enforced break.

Chiefs, who claimed victory in the Soweto Deby to move into fourth spot on the table in their last match at the end of October, are hoping to pick up where they left off when they visit Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium at 15:30 on Saturday afternoon.

Having returned to training in early December, Zwane admits it will be like starting the season "afresh" despite a few practice matches under their belt.

"We are coming back from a long recess, an unusual one at this time of the season. So, it will be a case of adaptation and a change of mindset from our players," 'Mangethe' told the club's website.

"We were building up good momentum and we now have to start afresh. What is key right now is to try and grind out the results. In terms of getting to go back to how we played our last game, it’s not going to be easy.

"We played quite a few games behind closed doors and we did quite well, that might have helped, but it is only until you start playing official games, that’s when you see where you are, where you need to make changes and improve."

Amakhosi recently confirmed the transfer of midfielder Njabulo Blom to MLS side St Louis City, for which Zwane expressed his support after helping mould the 23-year-old both in the reserve and senior teams.

"I’ve known Njabulo since he was 15 years old. He’s a hard-working player, a focused player. Given the opportunity, he grabbed it with both hands," he added.

"We are glad for him that he is going to another level, where he believes he will be taking his game to another level."