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Johannesburg - Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Jacob Tshisevhe believes Eric Mathoho and Lorenzo Gordinho are gradually forming a solid partnership in the heart of Amakhosi's defence.
Mathoho and departed Tefu Mashamaite formed a rock-solid centre-back partnership in Amakhosi's league title-winning side two seasons back.
In Mathoho's absence due to ankle injury in Chiefs' two opening matches of the current season, Gordinho partnered with Ramahlwe Mphahlele in centre-back, conceding three goals in two matches.
But with Mathoho's return, partnering Gordinho at centre-back, and Mphahlele returning to his usual right-back position, Amakhosi's defence has conceded just one goal in four League matches so far.
"You will remember that in the last season Steve (Komphela) has had on a number of occasions been rotating the team's back-four, trying to find a right combination and balance," Tshisevhe told Vodacom Soccer.
"Mathoho has partnered with the likes of Siyanda Xulu and Ivan Bukenya (who has since departed) in the team's central defence, but I think his (Mathoho) communication with Gordinho has been improving since last season and are both gradually forming a solid central defence combination, because they are communicating well, and both know when to cover for each other which is very important in defence.
"Even Mphahlele and Khumalo (Sibusiso) in the right and left-back positions respectively they have been good going forward in recent matches, giving the team lots of options in attack and also helping out defensively.
"I strongly believe that Steve is gradually finding his right combination in defence, which is one of the important positions in the team. Because, as they say, strikers win you games, defenders win titles," Tshisevhe concluded.
The 22-year-old Gordinho, who made his Premiership debut in Chiefs' colours in the 2013/14 season, has been enjoying regular game-time and been a key member in Amakhosi' backline under the tutelage of Steve Komphela.
The Benoni-born centre-back has scored two goals in six matches to date. With this week's FIFA break, the Soweto giants will resume domestic duty by hosting Ajax Cape Town at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 15 October.
