Mathoho, a mannequin wearing jersey number 3.

Kaizer Chiefs once signed a mannequin, and he was handed jersey number 3. Legendary stuff!

• 11 seasons

• 267 appearances

• 22 goals

• 34 Bafana Bafana caps

• CAF Champions League medal

Eric Mathoho achieved a lot with Kaizer Chiefs, and earned the respect and appreciation for fans, teammates, and Kaizer Chiefs management.

A true professional in his mannerism, one can only hope we haven't seen the last of the man popularly know as Tower.

But above it all, I don't think we have ever had a new signing introduced in mannequin form besides Tower, or have we?

If not, Tower holds the funniest of records.

"Who can forget the dramatic moment in July 2012 when we unvelived our new players, including Morgan Gould, Kgotso Moleko and Siboniso Gaxa, but we were only able to unveil a mannequin wearing jersey #3, as we were trying hard to bring the player to Naturena," said Kaizer Chiefs Marketing Director, Jessica Motaung as quoted by kaizerchiefs.com.

"We knew he was our player but needed to finalise some paper work, as there was interest from other teams."

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Being appreciated, called a legend, and told you are always welcome at Naturena, by none other than Dr Kaizer Motaung, is a blessing on its own, and Mathoho is a blessed man.

"We are happy that the man from Tshiombo in Limpopo realised his dream of donning the Gold & Black jersey of the team he supported from childhood. It’s not everyone who realises this dream," said Kaizer Chiefs Chairman, Dr Kaizer Motaung.

"Erick now joins our long list of Kaizer Chiefs legends who served the Club and its supporters with aplomb over the last 53 years and he will always be welcomed at the Kaizer Chiefs Village."

But....

A bit more could have been done by Kaizer Chiefs to show their appreciation to a player who served the club with distinction for 11 seasons.

Maybe a farewell match or something along those lines. Somehow, I believe that Mathoho deserved better.

It is time for Chiefs to rise from their slumber.

If there was ever a time for Kaizer Chiefs to rise from their long slumber, that time would be now.

For a giant of South African football to be on their knees for this long cannot be normal.

Eight years without a trophy is nothing short of a disaster that should shock Amakhosi management into action.

Judging by the events of the recently ended season, things are slowly going from bad to worse.

Amakhosi finished fifth on the log, having lost 12 games, with four of their losses coming from their last five matches.

One of the most glaring shortcomings at Chiefs is the lack of quality in their squad.

Not having a single player in the Bafana Bafana squad, for an institution of Amakhosi's caliber is testimony to the players they have at their disposal.

ALSO READ: Thatayaone Ditlhokwe is not fazed by the challenge of playing for Chiefs: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/chiefs-will-be-business-as-usual-for.html?m=1

Chiefs management needs to buy quality players, and that is becoming non-negotiable.

Their head coach, Arthur Zwane's recent comments about clubs making things difficult for them to sign players doesn't cut it.

The fact is, clubs do not make it easy for no one to get their players, unless you are in the business of signing free agents.

Quality players cost money, and so is success in modern football, and that is another fact.

A sense of urgency is required from the Chiefs hierarchy, seeing the slow demise of a club that is such a big part of the South African football heritage is not funny anymore. 

Chiefs will be business as usual for Ditlhokwe.

New Kaizer Chiefs recruit, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, says joining a huge institution like Kaizer Chiefs doesn't give him a runny tummy at all.

The 24-year-old Botswana national team defender, says he is used to challenges, having captained his country at the age of 21.

"One thing I can tell you is that I'm the captain of the national team, I'm a player for the national team. I've captained my national team at the age of 21 so I don't think there's any pressure which can come more than what I've already passed through," said Ditlhokwe as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/thatayaone-ditlhokwe-kaizer-chiefs-is-just-a-normal-challenge

"It's just a normal challenge that every player can face. That's why I said for you to grow you must have challenges, there's no player that can grow without having challenges."

Kaizer Chiefs have not won a trophy in eight years, but ironically, Ditlhokwe says he wants to win trophies and play in the CAF Champions League, which makes one wonder if he joined the right club.

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"I need to win trophies. I need to play in continental competitions like the Champions League and CAF, so that's what I'm looking forward to as a player. That's what I'm trying every time and at every training session so that I can grow as a player and win those things because you don't just win them for the sake of winning."

Ditlhokwe will be Amakhosi's player from July 1, with his SuperSport United contract running out at the end of June.

Clubs make it difficult for us to get players - Zwane.

While his Kaizer Chiefs future hangs in the balance after his disastrous debut season as head coach, Arthur Zwane is quietly going about the business of planning for next season.

Chiefs finished fifth with 12 defeats in the DStv Premiership in what was yet another season without a trophy.

Inconsistency, schoolboy defensive errors, and the inability to find the back of the net plagued Amakhosi's season, to the frustration of the die hard supporters.

'Zwane must go chants', and an attack on him after the SuperSport United loss have done nothing to dumpen the Amakhosi head coach's spirits, instead he is more determined to turn things around.

Part of his plans is to get quality players to bolster his squad, with Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, and Given Msimango already secured from SuperSport and TS Galaxy respectively.

"We have identified a few indviduals, and some we managed to get while some the team are still trying to make sure that they get them," said Zwane as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/arthur-zwane-hoping-new-kaizer-chiefs-signings-hit-the-ground-running

"But, again, it boils down to one thing, as you said, can they cope with the pressure of playing for a team of Kaizer Chiefs' calibre? And, look, it leaves one with thinking a lot.

"This is a season in which we've learnt a lot from, in terms of bringing in players, and also releasing certain players, and as much as there were negatives, there were also a lot of positives that can help us moving forward. 

"And, we will see who we bring on board to come and help the team."

ALSO READ: Zwane on his first season as Kaizer Chiefs head coach: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/im-believer-im-hard-worker-zwane.html?m=1

Zwane has bemoaned the fact that clubs are hellbent on making things difficult for Chiefs when they want to sign their players, but says the club has to find a way to secure their targets.

"It's a case of quality. If quality is available then we go [for it]. You know it's always been a difficult situation for the club, whenever we look for players and approach other teams, they make it difficult for us to get that player," he added.

"Because obviously, the competition is also very stiff, so we just have to find a way."

I'm a believer, I'm a hard worker - Zwane.

Under fire Kaizer Chiefs coach, Arthur Zwane, who calls himself a believer and a hard worker, says football has taught him to have a thick skin and a big heart.

Zwane led Chiefs to a fifth place finish in the DStv Premiership on his maiden season as a head coach.

It was, to say the least, a turbulent debut season for Zwane, which ended in total disaster, with the coach attacked by supporters after losing to SuperSport United.

To top it all off, Chiefs lost four of their last five league games, which meant they lost 12 matches in total in the league.

A believer Zwane might be, but it is hard to believe that Chiefs management will still believe in him to lead their revival process next season.

"I'm a believer, I'm a hard worker. If there's one thing that football taught me is never be in the game if you don't have a big heart. In football, you develop a thick skin. I'm not the first one that has been in this situation. I've seen coaches struggle in their first season then they come up different in the following season," said Zwane as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/i-ve-developed-a-thick-skin-says-underfire-kaizer-chiefs-coach

Perhaps, what Zwane says next doesn't align with what Amakhosi are as an institution.

For an ambitious club like Chiefs, a coach doesn't necessarily get to have a 'learning season'.

Even Xavi of Barcelona fame had to go and learn somewhere else before he came back to lead his former club to league glory.

ALSO READ: Gundogan ready to lift two more trophies: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/my-arms-are-ready-to-lift-two-more.html?m=1

"It was more like a learning season for me for the fact that me now being the head coach, making decisions. Obviously with the help of other technical team members but I've always been this supporting member of the team. Supporting other coaches that have been here before."

Is he going or staying? That is the question. But as things stand, to stay might come with more tears. 

We are building to create something special - Solomons.

Kaizer Chiefs right-fullback, Dillon Solomons, says despite the challenges the club faced this season, they are building something special at Naturena, and hopefully the results will show next season.

Solomons was speaking to Chiefs media department ahead of their last game of the season against Cape Town City.

"Playing for Chiefs is a big achievement for me. Being part of this team is a great experience," Solomons told www.kaizerchiefs.com,

"It has been a relatively inconsistent season for the team, but we are building to create something special, so hopefully we can win something next season. It was heartbreaking to not win any silverware playing for Chiefs but these things happen in football and , as I say, hopefully we can put that right next season."

Solomons, who has appeared 25 times for Amakhosi since joining them from Swallows FC, scoring one goal and providing two assists, says he is satisfied with his form this season, despite the inconsistency which he attributes to injuries.

"I feel my overall form has been good this season, a little inconsistent here and there, but injuries didn’t help me. For me, I think in your first season with a new club you are trying to adapt to the environment, and I think I did pretty well with that. Hopefully, next season I can kick on and give the fans something to smile about," said Solomons.

On their last game of the season, the 24-year-old says the team is in good spirits, and they are looking forward to the game.

"We are in good spirits this week. We’re looking forward to the game. Even though it’s the last game of the season, people might think our minds are not here and we’re thinking about holidays, but this is a very important game for us. We owe them (Cape Town City) one. When we went to Cape Town, we didn’t get the result we wanted. Now they are coming to us so we have to kill them off this weekend.

“We have to make FNB (stadium) a fortress. When teams come there, they have to be scared, so hopefully we can put some fear into Cape Town City on Saturday and then get the win.”

Chiefs will host Cape Town City on Saturday 20 May at FNB Stadium. Kick-off will be at 15:00.

A loss to City will see Amakhosi finishing 5th on the log.

This behaviour anti-Kaizer Chiefs - Maphosa.

    mage: Lorenz Kohler Facebook. 

Kaizer Chiefs communications manager, Vina Maphosa has condemned the violent behavior from a section of Amakhosi fans after their 1-0 loss to SuperSport on Saturday afternoon.

Maphosa said the attack on coach Arthur Zwane stands against what Chiefs stands for as a club, which is love and peace, therefore, it was anti-Kaizer Chiefs.

Zwane needed some medical attention after he was injured during the violent acts that ensued after the game.

"This behaviour anti-Kaizer Chiefs. We are all about love and peace at Kaizer Chiefs," said Maphosa on Radio 2000, as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/dstv-premiership/chiefs-give-zwane-update/

"Our supporters obviously know that very well. Hence we don’t assume that the perpetrators are Chiefs supporters.

"We want to condemn the act of violence at the stadium and we’d like to also pass a strong message to our supporters or whoever used the opportunity to exhibit elements of violence at the stadium as you have seen at our home matches."

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/it-was-good-really-good-klopp-on.html?m=1

Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Steve Komphela, suffered almost the same fate in 2018 while coaching Chiefs, which led to his resignation.

Whether Arthur Zwane will ride the wave and stay at Chiefs remains to be seem.

Amakhosi will next face Cape Town City at FNB Stadium on Saturday 20 May. The match will kick-off at 15:00.

Arthur Zwane, the proverbial sacrificial lamb.

The ugly scenes at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday afternoon after Kaizer Chiefs were beaten 1-0 by SuperSport United were uncalled for, but they have been bubbling under for sometime.

The game of football, from a fan's point of view, is more a game of emotions than logic, unfortunately for Zwane, the emotional pain of some Chiefs fans was directed at him, wrongfully so, instead of the people who should be feeling the wrath of the supporters.

Zwane, as much as he is no Jesus, is being crucified for the sins of others, Chiefs management that is.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/i-thought-we-were-excellent-mokwena.html?m=1

The fact is, Kaizer Chiefs will not win games/trophies, just because they are the once feared giants, they can't keep riding on the past success carried by their name.

Success demands the right systems and processes to be put in place in order for it to find fertile ground to grow on.

Unfortunately, at Chiefs, that fertile ground is non-existent.

One only has to look at a team like Mamelodi Sundowns as a template, look at their technical team, including analysts and specialist coaches like the highly qualified and experienced Michael Loftman who deals with set-pieces.

And look at the investment they have made to ensure they have a quality squad.

Now take a look at Chiefs and tell me what you see.

The reality is Chiefs deserve to be fourth or lower on the log, because the quality of their team as a whole dictates that, not coach Arthur Zwane.

When Chiefs lose to SuperSport, they are losing to their peers when it comes to squad quality, period.

Zwane, unfortunately, is on the frontline, and on Saturday afternoon, he took the bullets for a team that is still crawling while the football world is running, leaving it behind marveling at the past glory carried by its name. 

Chiefs' African dreams are over.

Kaizer Chiefs saw their dream of campaigning in African club competitions crushed on Saturday afternoon when they lost 1-0 to SuperSport United at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Going into the encounter, Chiefs still had hopes of finishing third and qualify for the CAF Confederations Cup next season, but it wasn't to as they succumbed to their second Dstv Premiership loss in a row.

Ghampani Lungu scored the goal that sealed Amakhosi's fate in the 40th minute, ensuring SuperSport's passage to Africa.

This afternoon's performance was an uncharacteristic one from Chiefs in terms of numbers they normally produce in matches, in attack to be precise, and coach Arthur Zwane will be disappointed.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/im-very-sober-im-very-sober-mokwena-on.html?m=1

Chiefs are a side that clocks high numbers on the goal attempts column, but against SuperSport, in a game they had to win at all costs, they were found wanting when it comes to creating goal scoring opportunities.

Amakhosi managed a lowly 10 goal attempts this afternoon, with a disappointing single shot on target, and it doesn't get worse than that in a must-win encounter.

What this afternoon's game highlighted, in bright colours, is the inconsistency in performances that has been Chief's Achilles heel throughout this season, this was one game where they had to be at their best and be ruthless, but they were almost at their worst.

With this afternoon's loss having summed up their disappointing season, Chiefs will host Cape Town City on Saturday 20 May at FNB Stadium, a game that will close the curtain on a poor season that came with many valuable lessons. 

We can’t lose to SuperSport, no matter what - Sithebe.

Kaizer Chiefs will travel to Royal Bafokeng Stadium to take on SuperSport United in a crucial Dstv Premiership clash on Saturday 13 May, with the kick-off at 15:00.

With the CAF Champions League all but gone, Chiefs have now set their sights on a third place finish which will ensure them passage to the CAF Confederations Cup, and beating SuperSport could take them a step closer to their new goal.

Chiefs midfield enforcer, Siyethemba Sithebe, strongly believes third place is still possible if they can remain focused as a team.

"Coming to SuperSport, I think we need to keep focus because anything can happen. It’s still possible to get third position and, as players, it is important to have that motivation and our mindset needs to be positive," Sithebe told Kaizer Chiefs media department.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/im-not-thinking-at-all-about-cup-final.html?m=1

According to Sithebe, the message from coach Arthur Zwane is clear, they just can't afford to lose to SuperSport.

"All I can say is we know SuperSport and how they play. We need to be prepared for the long balls they play, and I think all our preparations are going well. The coach told us, " We can’t lose to Supersport, no matter what and with all our preparation, I think he is more positive that we can win this game."

Chiefs are currently fourth on the log, with 44 points after 28 games, four points behind SuperSport, who remain second with 48 points from 28 matches. 

Chiefs CAFCL hopes dashed as they lose to Swallows.

Kaizer Chiefs saw their Caf Champions League hopes take a huge knock when they lost 2-1 to Swallows FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Monday afternoon.

Gregory Damons opened the scoring for Swallows in the 7th minute, before Christian Saile Basomboli brought Chiefs level in the 23rd minute with a far post finish from a Mduduzi Shabalala free-kick.

But Bongani Sam headed Swallows back in front when he nodded in from a Keagan Allan bicycle kick in the 33rd minute.

Missed chances where once again Amakhosi's Achilles heel.

They had the game under their control, averaging 75% possession, and managed a whopping 25 attempts on goal, despite managing to put seven shots on target, Chiefs missed a lot of chances, especially in the second half, that could have seen them put the game beyond Swallows.

Swallows, who sacrificed possession and opted to keep things tight at the back, relied on quick offensive transitions and set-pieces to get scoring opportunities, and it was from both those situations that they found their goals.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/05/sundowns-are-serious-about-development.html?m=1

Monday afternoon's win saw Swallows move to the 8th spot on the log, far away from the relegation threat that has been hanging over their heads for the better part of this season.

As for Amakhosi, who have 46 points with two games remaining, chances of finishing on the Caf Champions League spot are as good as gone, unless Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United produce howlers in their remaining matches.

Chiefs next play Pirates in the Nedbank Cup semi-final on Saturday 06 May at FNB Stadium, kick-off will be at 15:00.

This has been our disease - Zwane on Chiefs missing chances.

No team in the Dstv Premiership comes close to Mamelodi Sundowns when it comes to creating big goal scoring chances than Kaizer Chiefs.

But the difference is Sundowns converts their chances, while Chiefs are struggling.

That has been one of Chiefs' head coach, Arthur Zwane's headaches.

Going to their next match against Swallows FC, Zwane will be hoping his players bring their scoring boots and find the back of the net several times, something that will give them confidence for another Soweto derby on May 6.

While not scoring as much as they create opportunities, Zwane believes his side will eventually find their scoring touch.

"Look it’s the nature of the game, I don’t think there’s any player that wants to go onto the field and miss chances you know deliberately, they tried their best," Zwane said as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/dstv-premiership/zwane-on-mashiane-recall-wasteful-chiefs/

"On another day, they will get it right and score more than two, three, or four, and it’s coming. the only thing we have to do as a technical team is keep on believing in them and encouraging them to do the right things."

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/sundowns-mokwena-have-earned-cr.html?m=1

Zwane says missing valuable chances has been Chiefs' biggest disease this season, and he is right.

While a team like Sundowns, with an xGF (expected goals for) of 1.89 has managed to turn the big chances they create into goals, not the same can be said for Chiefs, despite an impressive xGF of 1.73.

"You must have seen this has been our disease, the story of our season, missing chances – it could have been a different story on the log, if we take maybe half the chances we created," Zwane added.

"But having said that I can’t falter the players effort, they did everything right it’s just that missing link of being clinical in front of goals."

Ngcobo's performance against Chippa was a statement.

When Kaizer Chiefs beat Chippa United 1-0 on Thursday afternoon at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, the Njabulo Ngcobo they signed from Swallows showed up.

Ngcobo was tipped for big things when he joined Amakhosi, he was expected to become the rock in the center of their defence, and eventually move on to do the same for the Bafana Bafana.

But things didn't go according to the script for the 28-year-old Folweni born defender.

His performances for Chiefs have been inconsistent, and sometimes downright poor, which has led to him spending most of his stay at Naturena on the bench.

The former uThongathi FC and Swallows defender, has appeared only 12 times for Chiefs this season.

And this has been a season where Amakhosi needed their best defenders to stand up, with their defence, especially at center-back, in shambles.

Chiefs have been conceding some silly goals, something that has been a huge let down, costing them a better position on the log.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/xoki-back-doubts-over-lorch.html?m=1

To remedy the situation, they have swiftly moved to sign Thatayaone Ditlhokwe from SuperSport United, and Given Msimango from TS Galaxy.

With those signings, Ngcobo was one of the players who was alleged to be on his way out, along side the likes of Eric Mathoho.

But on Thursday, Ngcobo marshalled the Chiefs defence with aplomb, keeping things simple and playing with the confidence we saw him playing with at Swallows.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/playing-swallows-before-derby-worries.html?m=1

His impressive display looked more like a statement, to say, I am good enough and I want to stay and fight for my place at Naturena.

Playing Swallows before the derby worries Zwane.

Kaizer Chiefs will host Swallows FC on Monday 01 April at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, at 15:00.

But it is the Nedbank Cup semi-final derby clash against Orlando Pirates on 6 May that worries coach Arthur Zwane.

While the Swallows game is important for Chiefs in terms of their ambition to finish second on the log, the upcoming derby clash might affect them negatively, splitting their focus.

Zwane believes it is key for himself and his technical team to manage the mental side of their players going into the Swallows game.

“It's key that, as the technical team, we manage the players and, fortunately, some of us played in these games and we know how important it is for us to keep collecting points before the derby,” Zwane said after his side beat Chippa United 1-0 as quoted by Times Live. https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2023-04-28-it-gets-to-our-players-ears-worry-for-chiefs-coach-zwane-before-soweto-derbies-against-swallows-and-pirates/

“Sometimes the derby [against Pirates] can make you forget what's important. What's key is to take one game at a time and focus on this one.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/can-ts-galaxy-end-pirates-winning-streak.html?m=1

“As soon as we've played the game on Monday, we'll start focusing on the Pirates one. It's a bit difficult because people are already talking about the derby, especially after a great performance like this. People are already thinking Pirates, not Swallows.

“It gets to our players' ears and they start thinking about the derby. We have to manage it and we've [when he was a player] been in that situation and I think we have that advantage of helping these players manage the entire squad.”

The effort and attitude were second to none - Zwane on Chippa win.

Kaizer Chiefs kept their Caf Champions League spot hopes alive with a 1-0 over Chippa United at a packed Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Thursady afternoon.

Chiefs coach, Arthur Zwane, believes it is the way they started the match that was the catalyst for their victory.

It was Ashley Du Preez who fired Amakhosi to victory with a well taken curler in the 72nd minute.

"I think we came into this game knowing we’re coming against a team that is going to make our life difficult as they are fighting for their lives," Zwane said after the game as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/dstv-premiership/zwane-chiefs-not-giving-up-cafcl-hopes/

"It was never going to be an easy game but if there’s one thing we did right today, is how we started the game – we dictated terms, we showed intention, showed we wanted to win the game, we had a few early chances we didn’t take but the effort and attitude were second to none.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/at-sundowns-you-have-to-play-well-and.html?m=1

"At half time we had to encourage them to keep on pushing and give their best and they did exactly that – in the second half we weren’t ruthless, the scoreline wasn’t a reflection of what we saw, it could have been more than 1-0 but yeah, all we needed was three points, we got a clean sheet as well and move on."

Chiefs next match will be against Swallows FC on Monday 01 April at Peter Mokaba Stadium, kick-off is at 15:00.

Chiefs and Pirates must not be happy with the second spot - Says Ramovic.

TS Galaxy coach, Sead Ramovic, says Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are too big as football clubs to be fighting for the second spot.

Mamelodi Sundowns emerged as champions for the sixth time in a row when they won the Dstv Premiership title with seven matches to spare.

According to Ramovic, Chiefs and Pirates have all the resources they need to challenge Sundowns instead of being 20 points behind.

"To be honest, clubs like Orlando, Chiefs…fantastic clubs, good squad, good coaches, financially strong…top supporters, probably the best in Africa," Ramovic said as quoted by SABC Sport. https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/sead-ramovic-slams-tv-pundits-calls-for-educated-analysis

"But they are happy with second spot? No man…this can’t be. That’s not success, they have to fight for the title and not be 20 points behind Sundowns," he added.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/du-preez-hero-as-chiefs-beat-chippa.html?m=1

In light of the two Soweto giants' performances this season, and the points gap between them and Sundowns, Ramovic says the 'expects' who say the two sides had a good season must be joking.

"And the experts want to tell me they’ve had a great season? That’s a joke."

Ramovic's TS Galaxy, will host one of the Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates on Sunday 30 May at Mbombela Stadium, with the kick-off at 15:00.

TS Galaxy are currently 11th on the log with 31 points after 26 matches, while Pirates are third with 46 points in 26 matches.

Du Preez the hero as Chiefs beat Chippa.

Kaizer Chiefs got back to winning ways after beating Chippa United 1-0 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

It was the rejuvenated Ashley Du Preez who ensured Amakhosi walked away with all the three points with a stunning curler in the 72nd minute.

Chiefs, as it has become the norm, looked a better side from the beginning as they took control of the proceedings.

They enjoyed a lot of the ball, averaging 52% possession, although it did not yield enough goal scoring opportunities.

Chiefs managed 14 goal attempts on the day, slightly below their average, which might have been the result of changes in the starting line up, with Happy Mashiane starting in place of the injured Keagan Dolly, who is usually the protagonist when it comes to creating chances.

From their 14 attempts, Chiefs managed to put four on target, one being that Du Preez stunner.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/hire-qualified-coaches-instead-of.html?m=1

Chippa, who spent most parts of the game under pressure, didn't have much action in front of the Amakhosi goal.

They managed only six goal attempts, with only two on target from their 48% share of the ball.

It wasn't surprising that Chippa failed to threaten Amakhosi's goal, as it has been their Achilles heel this season. They just struggle to create enough quality scoring opportunities.

Chiefs will now turn their attention to Monday 01 May, where they will host Swallows FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium, with the kick-off at 15:00.

As for Chippa, they will be hoping struggling Richards Bay doesn't rediscover their form when the two sides clash on Wednesday 03 May, at King Zwelithini Stadium, Durban. 

Chippa can be easy prey, but so is Chiefs.

Chippa United will host Kaizer Chiefs on Thursday 27 April [Tomorrow] at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha, with the match kicking off at 15:00.

With relegation having a tight grip on their neck, Chippa will want nothing less than three points to increase their chances of survival.

On the other hand, Chiefs have not given up on their target, which is the Caf Champions League spot, despite losing to Sekhukhune United in their previous encounter, a loss that saw them falling six points behind second placed SuperSport United.

ALSO READ: https://safootballtxt.blogspot.com/2023/04/from-comparisons-with-saleng-to-verge.html?m=1

In a layman's eyes, Chippa should have no hope of beating Amakhosi.

They have lost three of their last five Dstv premiership games, drawing two.

Their defence has been leaking goals, with nine in five league games, while they can't find the back of the net, having scored just three goals.

To make matters worse, they are not even a side that creates valuable goalscoring opportunities, with an average xGF [expected goals for] of 0.76 per match, while they give away good scoring chances to opponents like Father Christmas, with an xGA [expected goals against] of 1.45 per game.

Their opponents, Chiefs, know how to create chances, with an average xGF of 1.73 per match.

One would think Chippa are in huge trouble, but the thing with Chiefs is that they just can't seem to score goals.

Their chance conversion rate stands at 9%, something that should be frustrating to their head coach, Arthur Zwane.

On top of their poor goalscoring form, Chiefs struggle with consistency.

Having gone on an impressive four match winning run in the league, Chiefs went on to draw 1-1 against Marumo Gallants on the 8th of April, followed by a 1-0 loss to Sekhukhune recently.

Come Thursday, one can not know which Chiefs to expect.

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In a nutshell, a betting man may place their bet on a Chiefs win against Chippa, but not with their savings, because Amakhosi always find a way to disappoint.

A risk taker might go for Chippa, a team motivated by their plight with relegation, this is football, anything is almost possible.

*Stats source: footystats.org

From comparisons with Saleng, to the verge of obscurity.

Kaizer Chiefs winger, Kgaogelo Sekgota started the season like a house on fire, leading to a heated debate amongst South African football fans on who is better between him and Orlando Pirates star, Monnapule Saleng.

Fast-forward towards the end of the season, Saleng is a strong contender for the Dstv premiership player of the season, while Sekgota is nowhere to be seen, literally.

The 25-year-old speedster has appeared 25 times for Chiefs across all competitions this season, mostly cameo roles, contributing a single assist, and no goals to speak of.

His limited game time and unconvincing performances when given a chance, has led to questions about how good Sekgota really is.

But he is adamant that it is not the end of the road for him as he continues to improve his game in training.

"I have been working hard and getting motivation from the technical team. Obviously, everything has its moment. All in good time, so it’s good," he told www.kaizerchiefs.com.

"The team has been doing well. We won a few games in a row, and obviously it’s sad when, as Kaizer Chiefs, you lose a game (against Sekhukhune last weekend) but we still have a lot to play for. We’ve got the Nedbank Cup semi-final. We’ve got some games left to finish the season very well, as far up as possible. The team is working very hard, daily, and we are ready for anything that comes."

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Kaizer Chiefs will be traveling to Nelson Mandela Stadium, Gqeberha, on Thursday 27 April, to face relegation threatened Chippa United.

While Sekgota believes Chippa won't be easy to play against considering their log position, he is confident his side can get a positive result.

"Chippa have a good team, with good players, but we are also good and we are ready for them and looking forward to the game.

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"I think they have a good squad and, thinking of their position in the relegation zone means it’s not going to be easy for us, but as I said, we’ll be ready for them."

Riveiro says Pirates is in love with cup games, and of course, winning them.

               Image: Facebook

Orlando Pirates will face their arch-rivals, Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.

Their head coach, Jose Riveiro admits that his side likes to play cup games.

Pirates won the MTN8 title earlier in the season when they beat AmaZulu 1-0 in Durban, and they will have their sights set on slaying beating chiefs to advance to the finals of the Nedbank Cup, in what would be the sweetest revenge for Bucs after Amakhosi got the better of them twice this season in the Dstv Premiership.

Winning a double would be a major achievement for the Spaniard who has managed to turn things around at Pirates, by getting them to play some beautiful football without compromising their defensive organization.

"We have good memories, bad as well. I think we struggled here with Sekhukhune [United], if I’m not mistaken," said Riveiro as quoted by iDiski Times. https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/nedbank-cup/riveiro-targets-second-cup-final-with-pirates/

"But it’s a good place for us, important, special. We like to play the cups, these knockout games we really do and like you said last time we managed to play a good final, to get a title and that’s the intention in every competition.

"We are representing Orlando Pirates so it goes without saying that it’s a must to fight to be there. And Being there is a different story it depends on a lot of factors but the team is really focused and doing everything in order to make our fans happy.

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"Now we really have the possibility to see ourselves in another final."

The urgent matter for Pirates though, is the Caf Champions League spot, and they will continue gunning for it when they host Cape Town City on Saturday 22 April at Orlando Stadium.

Kick-off is at 15:00.