Daniel Cardoso feels Kaizer Chiefs lack experience to win silverware

Chiefs offloaded several seasoned campaigners at the end of last season as they marked the start of a new era under homegrown coach Arthur Zwane, who has been tasked with rebuilding this season.

"I don't want to open up a can of worms, but youngsters are not going to win you titles and trophies," said Cardoso, ahead of this weekend's league meeting between the two sides.

"They are in a rebuilding phase, as you can see – [Samkelo] Zwane, [Mduduzi] Shabalala, [Happy] Mashiane, [Siyabonga] Ngezana, they got rid of all the experienced players." 

Amongst others, the exodus included the 33-year-old centre-back as well as likes of 36-year-old Bernard Parker, 32-year-old Ramahlwe Mphahlele, 33-year-old Leonardo Castro, and 35-year-old Daniel Akpeyi.

While the youthfulness of their current squad has led them to a Nedbank Cup semi-final and fourth position on the league table, Cardoso feels the absence of senior figures will ultimately cost them in their quest to end a much-publicised eight-year trophy drought.

"If you look at [Mamelodi] Sundowns' team, they're experienced players, that's why they win trophies season in, season out," he added.

"[Zwane] has a good foundation going on there, but to win titles and trophies, I think you need far more experience, especially on the field.

"I mean, they have quite a few experienced players sitting in the stands and at home, and I think it's been missed for them."