In the past three matches, Kaizer Chiefs has picked up four points from a possible nine, it’s the stumble in the matches against Maritzburg United and SuperSport United which caused panic amongst the Amakhosi fans.
At some stage Chiefs led by nine points before these two results but the gap was down to four points between them and second Mamelodi Sundowns.
But Chiefs picked some valuable points after their 3-0 win over Highlands Park, this on Wednesday night and will hope to stretch the lead to nine points when they host Cape Town City at FNB Stadium on Sunday.
Chiefs midfielder George Maluleka says they are taking it one game at a time.
There are still some tough battles ahead for Chiefs, a second-round clash against Orlando Pirates, Sundowns and two matches against third-placed Bidvest Wits. Maluleka is under no illusions that there are still some tough matches to be played including Sunday’s game.
Very few people have given chance the chance to where they are so far this season, based on the run under the current coach last season finishing outside the top eight and also losing the Nedbank Cup final to Glad Africa Championship side TS Galaxy.
But Maluleka says they will continue with their business and edge closer to bringing their first silverware since 2015.
Chiefs have had a very good start in the first round but some are still not convinced by the brand of football they are playing calling it predictable and foreseeing some limitations ahead.
But Maluleka begs to differ, citing the aggression and confidence in their play as one of the advantages.
Chiefs’ closest competitors Sundowns and Wits are away on CAF duty this weekend and this gives them an opportunity to extend the lead at the top.
They come up against a City team that has been blowing hot and cold since the arrival of the new Dutch coach Jan Olde Riekerink. Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp attended their match against Baroka FC last Sunday and has an idea of what to expect.
– Report by Velile Mnyandu
