Kaizer Chiefs maintain that the Betway Premiership title remains achievable, sitting fourth on the log with two games in hand. They face Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday before hosting rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto derby on Saturday. The team emphasizes focusing on each match amid their improved season.
Kaizer Chiefs are positioned fourth in the Betway Premiership after 15 matches, trailing log leaders Orlando Pirates by eight points, with two fewer games played. The team aims to narrow this gap through upcoming fixtures at FNB Stadium, starting with Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday evening, followed by the high-stakes Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.
Assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef stressed a methodical approach: "We are taking each game by game. We will treat each game as a cup game. Now today we have Stellenbosch FC in our minds, we think about Stellenbosch FC. We think only about the game of tomorrow, then when we finish the game of tomorrow, then we start to think about the derby. But we will take it game by game."
Following their exit from the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals, the players reflected on performances. Defender Zitha Kwinika noted, "I think obviously after the last game we had to reflect to see what we did wrong, what we did right and at this point I think this game is very important because I think now we going towards the last batch of games so we know what’s at stake and obviously playing against them it’s one of the most difficult teams to play against. So, I think the boys are aware of the situation at hand."
Defender Thabiso Monyane highlighted progress: "We are running our own race as well. We are not solely focussed on other teams. Like I said, from where we were last season to where we are now, it’s a massive improvement you know and I’am very happy to be here. We are running our own race like I said we are not focused on who’s doing what. That’s how it is."
Tickets for the derby sold out rapidly, prompting preparations for a smooth event. Stadium Management CEO Bertie Grobbelaar stated, "What’s encouraging for me, it’s the fact that the club with stadium management, as the venue authority, we made one form decision that we can’t allow the fake ticket holders and over capacity to dictate the game day for us. To achieve a more fan-friendly experience, we need to improve on the access control to the venue."
Kaizer Chiefs Marketing Director Jessica Motaung added, "It’s a bumper week for football. I was saying to the team, it seems like we are going to have a superbowl of football happening here on the weekend, and we are very excited about that. Talking about the derby that’s why Bertie and I are here we want to engage with all our stakeholders particularly our supporters and football loving people so say first and foremost we are in for an amazing derby but we are asking that supporters work with us it’s important that as event holders run the events properly, do everything to make sure the experience is exciting."
The title race involves top teams and is expected to remain competitive until the end. Defending champions could return to the top with a win over Amazulu on Tuesday.
