Kaizer Chiefs Eye Strong Finish Despite League Struggles Following Cup Triumph

Despite lifting the Nedbank Cup to end a decade-long trophy drought, Kaizer Chiefs are still battling to find form in the DStv Premiership, with pressure mounting as the 2024/25 season nears its conclusion. The Glamour Boys remain winless in their last seven league outings, and their place in next season’s MTN8 remains under threat.

Amakhosi are set to face Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in one of their final two PSL fixtures. The Soweto giants will then wrap up the season against Polokwane City, with six vital points up for grabs.

Kaizer Chiefs’ recent success in the Nedbank Cup, which saw them defeat arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in a dramatic final, has reinvigorated their supporters. However, their Premier Soccer League form continues to raise concerns. The team has managed only one win in their last 10 league matches — a run that has left them languishing in mid-table.

For a club of Chiefs’ stature, merely qualifying for the MTN8 is seen as the bare minimum. Club sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jnr has emphasized the importance of a top-eight finish, making the remaining matches crucial for Nasreddine Nabi and his technical team.

Saturday’s clash with Sekhukhune United presents a must-win scenario for both teams. While Chiefs are fighting for MTN8 qualification, Babina Noko have their sights set on a top-three finish, which would secure them a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

Former Chiefs defender Daniel Cardoso, now a key figure at Sekhukhune, expects a fiercely contested match. Speaking to Sowetan, he said, “It’s another big game for them [Chiefs] because they want to make the top eight, and we are fighting for the top three. Stellenbosch are behind us by just one point, so we can’t slip up.” Cardoso also acknowledged Chiefs’ Nedbank Cup triumph, saying, “Well done to them. Ten years is a long time without a trophy. This means a lot to the chairman and the fans.”

Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove echoed the urgency in the camp, emphasizing that the squad has quickly shifted focus from cup celebrations to the league mission. “We know the importance of Saturday’s game, so we’ve put the celebrations aside. The energy is positive. It’s been a difficult season, but our goal now is to make the top eight.”

Having won the reverse fixture earlier this season, Chiefs will aim to complete a league double over Sekhukhune. But with just two matches remaining, consistency and focus will be key if Nabi’s side is to salvage what has been a turbulent campaign.

While the Nedbank Cup win was a monumental moment for the club and its supporters, the mission is far from over. Chiefs must prove they can carry cup-winning momentum into the league, or risk ending the season with mixed emotions. For Nasreddine Nabi, who is still under evaluation for long-term retention, the next two matches may be pivotal in defining both his future and the direction of the club.