Orlando Pirates Reach Milestone, Kaizer Chiefs Left Striving for 50 Points in Uncertain Future

As Orlando Pirates continue to rewrite their own history books, reaching the 50-point mark in record time in the PSL, the question arises: where does Kaizer Chiefs stand in comparison? With the 2023/24 season drawing to a close, Chiefs’ pursuit of reaching the 50-point milestone for the first time in years remains elusive, despite their recent appearance in the Nedbank Cup final.

Pirates’ achievement came with a narrow 1-0 win over Golden Arrows, pushing their points tally to 52 with seven matches still to play — the quickest they have ever reached the half-century mark in the league. This landmark performance has added another chapter to Pirates’ season as they prepare for the highly anticipated Soweto Derby in the Nedbank Cup final.

For Chiefs, the situation paints a different picture. Despite securing a spot in the Cup final, their league form has been inconsistent, with the team struggling to maintain a competitive presence in the league standings. The unpredictability of cup competitions has allowed Chiefs to secure a final berth, but the PSL statistics, which offer a clearer measure of long-term team quality, have not been kind to the Amakhosi in recent seasons.

Kaizer Chiefs’ Struggles to Reach 50 Points

In the past five seasons, Kaizer Chiefs have failed to reach the coveted 50-point mark, a benchmark typically seen as a sign of a top-performing team in the PSL. The last time Chiefs surpassed the 50-point mark was in the 2019/20 season under coach Ernst Middendorp, when they finished second with 57 points. That season was also the last time the club displayed a level of consistency that placed them firmly among the league’s best.

Since then, Chiefs have been on a steady decline, with their performances falling short of expectations. In the 2020/21 season, the club experienced a drastic dip, finishing with just 36 points, a surprising result for a team that had been a consistent contender in previous years. The following season, under Arthur Zwane, saw some improvement, but the team still fell short of the 50-point mark, finishing fifth with 44 points — a mere one-point improvement from the prior season.

The 2022/23 campaign was slightly more promising, but Chiefs once again fell short of 50 points, finishing in fifth place with 44 points, just six points behind the elusive 50-point target. A lack of consistency in their league performances and the inability to mount a serious challenge for the title have become defining characteristics of their recent campaigns.

This lack of progress has left fans frustrated, especially as the club enters another offseason with the hope of turning their fortunes around. Despite their success in cup competitions, league form remains the true test of a team’s quality, and Chiefs’ inability to consistently hit the 50-point mark highlights the struggles they have faced in recent years.

Looking Ahead: The Challenge for Chiefs

As the club prepares for the 2024/25 season, there is a sense of uncertainty surrounding their future. With coach Nasreddine Nabi at the helm and the possibility of a strong cup run providing some optimism, Chiefs will need to focus on strengthening their squad and improving their league form if they are to challenge for top honours next season.

The reality, however, is that a major turnaround will be needed if Chiefs are to return to their former glory. The team’s failure to reach 50 points for the past five seasons — including a low of 38 points in 2022/23 — raises concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level in the PSL.

While the Nedbank Cup final represents a significant opportunity for Chiefs to end their trophy drought, it will not be enough to mask the underlying issues that have plagued the club in recent years. Chiefs must find a way to consistently challenge for league titles if they are to restore their status as one of South Africa’s top clubs.

As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Chiefs to see if they can overcome their recent struggles and return to the summit of South African football. For now, the challenge remains: can Kaizer Chiefs finally reach the 50-point mark and contend for the PSL title once again?