Top 5 players who carried Kaizer Chiefs to CAF Champions League Last 8

Kaizer Chiefs are through to the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League and a few of their players carried the team to where it is.

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While the entire Chiefs squad should be commended for the job well done, there are still heroes who were head and shoulders above the rest in Amakhosi reaching the quarter-finals.

The South African takes a look at those players and their contribution so far this season.    

ERIC MATHOHO

If he is not stopping strikers from scoring, Mathoho is helping his own teammates get the ball into the opponents’ net.

Mathoho’s only two goals for Chiefs this season have come in the CAF Champions League.

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He is a natural defender but Tower has a knack for goals, and he’s definitely one of the players Chiefs should applaud for this continental success.

Mathoho has featured in seven of the 10 matches that Amakhosi have played so far, and was instrumental in Chiefs keeping eight clean sheets.

ITUMELENG KHUNE

Khune has featured in six of Amakhosi’s 10 CAF Champions League matches en-route to the quarter-finals, and he did tremendously well for the team.

This despite the criticism from the Chiefs fans coupled with losing his sister Mapula in between crucial domestic and continental games.

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The 33-year-old goalkeeper kept four clean sheets and conceded six goals in those six matches – and he was on top of his game for almost all the six games he played for Chiefs.

It is for this reason a number of fans on social media even called for the erection of his statue at Naturena.    

LEONARDO CASTRO

Castro has had a difficult campaign but his presence whenever Chiefs take on the opponents in the CAF Champions League has made a huge difference.

When Samir Nurkovic was out injured, Gavin Hunt knew that he had someone to rely on in Castro, and he hasn’t disappointed thus far.

He may not have converted as many goalscoring chances as he got but he certainly contributed positively toward helping those around him get Chiefs to where they are in the competition.

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Castro has scored just once in six CAF Champions League matches – and had it not been for his goal away to Clube Desportivo 1 de Agosto in the early stages of the competition, Chiefs would have not gone far.

BERNARD PARKER

While the criticism of Parker may be huge from the Amakhosi fans who feel the utility player is finished, his contribution in the CAF Champions League cannot be overlooked.

Parker’s experience really made the difference, especially coming from the midfield and linking up with the attackers.

To prove that he really worked his socks off for Chiefs in the competition, Parker contributed a goal which helped Chiefs stay within touching distance of both Wydad Casablanca and Horoya AC.

SIYABONGA NGEZANA

Ngezana’s meteoric rise was aided by his brilliant displays and solid form for the Glamour Boys in the CAF Champions League.

The defender has regained his confidence and plays like an experienced campaigner.

And with nine CAF Champions League appearances under his belt thus far, Ngezana will definitely look back at this year’s competition and be proud of his contribution Amakhosi’s success.