Can Ndlovu replace Maart?

When the signing of Siphesihle Ndlovu was announced by Kaizer Chiefs, many thought he was arriving to boost depth and competition in the Amakhosi engine room ahead of a season with continental commitments.

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Instead, it looks like his acquisition was made with one eye on Yusuf Maart’s imminent exit to SV Ried in Austria to join former Cape Town City DStv Diski Challenge coach Moritz Kossmann. The midfield area is a key one in the outcome of any football match and Ndlovu will have to adjust immediately to fill the void left by the sale of Chiefs’ captain. How similar, or different, are the duo as players? What do the stats say about the two of them? Soccer Laduma investigates.

back in his early years at Maritzburg. Maart covers plenty of ground, but is not necessarily the most aggressive in his challenges, whilst Ndlovu is very strong in duels. The latter is very 'press-resistant' and can wiggle his way out of trouble using his dribbling skills. In terms of positional profile, Maart has never really found a clear best role. As a number six, he brings strong buildup play as a first receiver but he is not able to protect a back four by himself. As a number eight or alongside a strong holding player in a double pivot was perhaps his best role at Chiefs, though they lacked that sort of holding presence once Blom was sold.

Ndlovu, on the other hand, has always been at his most effective as a left-sided number eight. His best displays usually come with more freedom to drive forward and to attack the half-space with his ball-carrying. Under Hunt, he was coached to be a disciplined presence in a midfield two, something which he was lacking in his younger years. In summary, the duo may vaguely play in the same position, but they do the job in completely different ways. Chiefs may feel the loss of Maart’s passing range and occasional goals, but Ndlovu looks after the ball, can hold onto possession under pressure and is more tenacious when out of possession.

What the stats say