Kaizer Chiefs’ New Signings Ignite Hope for a Strong Finish in the Betway Premiership

Kaizer Chiefs fans have a reason to believe again after the Soweto giants secured a crucial 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC last Friday. The victory, which marked their first with new signings Makabi Lilepo, Tashreeq Morris, and Thabo Cele in the starting lineup, has sparked optimism about the club’s chances of a higher league finish.

Lilepo’s goal on debut added to the excitement, with Amakhosi supporters hoping that the January reinforcements will help the team climb the standings. Chiefs currently sit sixth on the log with 25 points after 17 matches, an identical position to where they stood at the same stage last season.

Can Chiefs Push for a Continental Spot?

Despite their current placement, historical trends suggest that finishing in the top three and securing a CAF competition spot remains a challenge. Chiefs averaged 1.5 points per game so far this season, which could project them to around 45 points by the end of the campaign. However, past seasons indicate that a tally closer to 50 points is needed to compete for a CAF Confederation Cup place.

In the 2022/23 season, SuperSport United finished third with 51 points, while Stellenbosch clinched third place with 50 points last term. This means Chiefs will need a significant improvement in results to break into the top three.

New Recruits to the Rescue?

Last season, Chiefs failed to strengthen their squad in January under interim coach Cavin Johnson, leading to their worst finish in PSL history—10th place. This year, with Lilepo, Morris, and Cele now in the squad, head coach Nasreddine Nabi has extra firepower to push for a stronger finish.

If the new signings hit the ground running and Chiefs improve their consistency, they could challenge for a spot in next season’s CAF competitions. The next few games will be crucial in determining whether Amakhosi can break past mid-table mediocrity and re-establish themselves as a force in South African football.