Back-to-back wins have Kaizer Chiefs breathing down the necks of the Top 3. With Glody Lilepo, pictured, providing the experience and Mfundo Vilakazi bringing the spark, is a return to CAF football inevitable for Amakhosi? Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs have seemingly reinvigorated a campaign that seemed to be slipping away, with their recent resurgence putting them firmly in contention for a Top 3 finish in this season's Betway Premiership.
Fresh from a 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Magesi FC, the Glamour Boys have bounced back in style, securing their second consecutive win following a three-match league losing streak. This run has lifted them to fourth place and made them favourites for third, just a point behind AmaZulu FC, who currently occupy the position, though Chiefs hold two games in hand.
Mathematically, the Glamour Boys are still very much in the running for the league title. In reality, however, the gap to leaders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns remains too wide for a serious challenge. Nevertheless, the consistency of the top two this season highlights the level required to compete at the very top.
With that benchmark in mind, Chiefs can use their newly found confidence and rising momentum to capitalise when rivals falter at crucial moments, strengthening their push for a coveted place among the league’s top three.
Consistency will once again be crucial for the Soweto giants, if they are to navigate the remainder of the season successfully, and much of that responsibility rests on the shoulders of their senior players. For much of this season, Chiefs have relied heavily on their most experienced campaigners to steer the team through a challenging campaign. Amid this period, one player who has consistently shone is DRC forward Glody Lilepo.
Co-coach Cedric Kaze, who has been under pressure to deliver results alongside his co-coaching partner Khalil Ben Youssef, was full of praise for Lilepo following his recent performances for the Soweto giants.
“He is a player with vast experience and has played in front of large crowds,” Kaze said.
“He brings many qualities: he is fast, can operate as a striker, hold up the ball, and make runs behind the defence. He is calm in the box, and few strikers demonstrate the movement he showed when scoring in the last match against Durban City. He positions himself intelligently, often away from defenders, which is why the club values him highly.
“There are eleven games left, and a lot remains to be done before the season concludes.”
Mfundo Vilakazi of Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Kaze was also pleased with Saturday’s second-goal scorer, Mfundo Vilakazi, who has mostly influenced games from the bench this season but could soon secure a regular starting role, even though his mentor believes he still has much to work on before becoming a finished product.
“He is not far off. Sometimes his starting appearances this season have been tactical decisions,”Kaze continued.
“He gives his all in training and matches. We want players who make an impact, and there are areas he can still improve — especially when the team doesn’t have possession, where he needs to be more physical, and stronger on the ball when we do. He’s a wonderful young player who is eager to learn, and he has a bright future ahead.”
* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch