Do Kaizer Chiefs fans finally have reason to be optimistic?
Kaizer Chiefs supporters celebrate after their team scores during the 2nd leg of the CAF Champions League second-round preliminary qualifier against AS Simba at the Dobsonville stadium in Soweto. Picture: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
Although Kaizer Chiefs won their first trophy in a decade last season with the Nedbank Cup title, it’s been slim pickings for AmaKhosi fans for far too long, but is that about to change?
If you asked a weary Chiefs supporter, the immediate answer might be a no.
However, like the first few buds of a pretty flower, there are a number of signs that the fortunes of the Soweto Giants may be about to blossom.
The most recent indicator is that Chiefs qualified for the Caf Confederation Cup group stage for the first time in their history over the weekend, as they beat AS Simba at a packed Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday.
A New Piece of History with a Caveat: Gauging Success in African Competition
This is definitely something to cheer about, a new piece of history, but that comes with a caveat. Gauging success in African competition can often be a big grey area, and whether their progress is a real reflection of their ability remains to be seen.
The biggest concern in recent times was the departure of Nasreddine Nabi as head coach. It was a drawn-out issue with Nabi missing from the sidelines for several weeks with speculation that he would be leaving the club, until Chiefs finally confirmed his exit last month.
After he left, Cedric Kaze and Ben Yousef Khalil took up the position as co-coaches.
Betway Premiership Standings: Chiefs Positioned for Success with 16 Points After Nine Games
In the Betway Premiership, Chiefs are currently fourth after nine games with 16 points.
The juggernauts of SA football, Mamelodi Sundowns, lead the way with 21 points after 10 games.
Fellow Soweto Giants Orlando Pirates are third on 18 points after eight matches.
It all points to Chiefs being right in the mix, and though they have only won four, they’ve lost just once.
Even against AS Simba over the weekend, though Chiefs won 3-1, they were still quite wasteful with their chances.
Once they are firing on all cylinders up front, Chiefs could actually prove to be a force in SA football once more.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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