The Zimbabwean ace, in top scoring form in the Absa Premiership lately, struck in the 33rd and 85th minutes as Chiefs cruised to a 3-0 first leg win over Namibian side, Black Africa, at the FNB Stadium on Sunday.
He later attributed his recent top performances to hard work and support from his team-mates, adding that enough preparation for games was the Chiefs secret to success.
“I am happy to have scored and contributed to our win against the Namibians. It was a good win for the Club. The game was difficult as we didn’t know what to expect from the opponents,” said Nkhatha, named man-of-the-match after the preliminary round game.
“We settled down a bit from the 15th minute of the game after we saw their playing tactics. I thank my teammates for the supply of balls that always allow me to score the goals. I just score the goals, but the wins belong to the Club. Our focus has to switch to the next game in two weeks and then we can think of our next opponents. Otherwise, I am really enjoying my game lately.”
The Naturena-based Amakhosi will be travelling to Namibia to face Black Africa in the second leg on February 15.
Meanwhile, Chiefs coach, Stuart Baxter, who made many changes and used largely a fringe side that included Zimbabwean striker, Mathew Rusike in the game, said his decision was in no way a show of disrespect to Black Africa.
“The players that started the game did not know what to expect from their opponents. They went in there not knowing what sort of game that was going to pan out. I was impressed by our attacking combination play. But once again we missed some good opportunities to score more goals,” said Baxter.
Rusike, a second half introduction to the game, could have scored a few goals for himself, just as his countryman Nkhatha could have buried more than half a dozen goals, but they fluffed a number of what looked like clear-cut chances.
He defended resting regulars, including his favourite, Willard Katsande.
“If for example, we didn’t rest Katsande in this game, there is no other time we will get to rest him. And playing two ball players in front of the back four is better than playing a tired Katsande,” said Baxter.
Post published in: Football