Former Orlando Pirates striker and current football analyst, Phumudzo Manenzhe, has shared his thoughts on what is needed to help Kaizer Chiefs’ misfiring hitman, Ranga Chivaviro, improve his finishing. The 28-year-old forward, who joined Chiefs in the off-season from Marumo Gallants, has faced criticism for his struggles in front of goal, despite showing promise with his physical presence and technical ability.
Manenzhe, who had a successful career at Pirates before transitioning to a role as a football analyst, has worked with many players at various levels of the game and has a deep understanding of the technical and mental aspects of goal-scoring. According to Manenzhe, Chivaviro’s finishing issues are not necessarily a reflection of his ability but rather a combination of confidence and decision-making under pressure.
In an exclusive interview, Manenzhe explained that for Chivaviro to turn his fortunes around, he needs a few key adjustments in his approach to finishing. One of the most important aspects of being a successful striker, according to Manenzhe, is mental composure. He emphasized that players who miss chances in high-stakes games, like those Chivaviro has been involved in, often struggle with the mental side of the game.
“For a striker like Chivaviro, finishing isn’t just about technique,” Manenzhe said. “Yes, technique plays a big role, but it’s also about the mental aspect of the game. A striker has to remain calm in front of goal, trust his instincts, and not rush things. Chivaviro has shown the right attributes to be a successful striker, but he needs to build confidence in those crucial moments.”
Manenzhe also pointed out that the quality of service Chivaviro is receiving from his teammates is crucial in helping the striker find his rhythm. He noted that Chiefs’ midfielders and wide players need to deliver more precise crosses and through balls that will allow Chivaviro to get into goal-scoring positions. A lack of consistent service can often frustrate a striker, leading to missed opportunities or poorly timed finishes.
“The service Chivaviro gets is just as important as his own finishing,” Manenzhe explained. “He’s a big, powerful forward who thrives on crosses and quick through balls. If he can get the right kind of service, he’ll be in the right position to score more goals. But that requires better combinations with the wingers and midfielders. They need to get the ball to him in areas where he can use his strengths.”
While technical ability is important, Chivaviro’s current struggles suggest that his confidence in front of goal is wavering. According to Manenzhe, this is something that can be worked on with the right mentality and encouragement. As an analyst, he sees similarities between Chivaviro’s situation and the struggles faced by many strikers early in their careers. The key to breaking the cycle, he believes, is mental resilience.
“Confidence is everything for a striker,” Manenzhe said. “The more you score, the more you believe in your ability. Chivaviro needs to keep working on his finishing, stay calm, and not get frustrated when things don’t go his way. Even the best strikers miss chances, but it’s the way you respond that matters. If he continues to get chances, the goals will come. He just needs to keep trusting himself.”
Another factor that could play a role in Chivaviro’s improvement is his ability to make the right decisions in front of goal. Often, young strikers rush their shots or take on too much when they should be looking to make a simple finish. Manenzhe advises that Chivaviro focus on simplifying his decision-making in key moments.
“The best strikers know when to be patient and when to take the shot,” Manenzhe added. “Sometimes, it’s about slowing the game down in your mind, rather than rushing and trying to score in the first moment you get. Chivaviro needs to trust his instincts and not force things. He’s a good player, but it’s about making the right decisions at the right time.”
While his finishing has been a point of contention, Chivaviro has shown glimpses of his potential in other aspects of his game. His work rate, aerial presence, and ability to hold up the ball have been assets for Chiefs, particularly in their build-up play. Manenzhe believes that these qualities will serve Chivaviro well as he continues to work on his finishing.
“I’ve seen a lot of promise in Chivaviro’s overall game,” said Manenzhe. “His physical presence and ability to link up play are great assets for the team. If he continues to put in the work and refine his finishing, the goals will eventually come. He just needs to stay patient and trust the process.”
Chivaviro’s goal-scoring struggles have put pressure on Chiefs’ coaching staff, but Manenzhe believes that with the right guidance and a bit of luck, the striker can find his form. Chiefs have a strong squad with attacking options, and if Chivaviro can start converting chances consistently, he could become a key figure in their push for silverware.
As Kaizer Chiefs’ season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Chivaviro’s development unfolds. With continued support from his teammates and coaching staff, and with a more composed approach to finishing, the 28-year-old could yet prove to be a valuable asset for the club in their pursuit of trophies.
