The building starts now

With seven matches left to play, it’s true that Chiefs need to secure a Top Eight finish. They’re currently just two points above AmaZulu FC in 13th spot in the table and a few wins will be needed to qualify for the MTN8. There are some very tough fixtures ahead, including SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns in the next two rounds. Yes, many teams may be beating them with the opposition goalkeeper getting the Man of the Match award, but the performance levels are not much better than the results being achieved. A purely short-term view can’t be taken over the next six weeks as there is no time to waste in trying to build a coherent squad for next season. This is the time to decide on a core for next term and to pick them in the starting XI every single week.

An answer is needed on some players who have yet to fully convince like Zitha Kwinika, Mthethwa, Happy Mashiane, Chivaviro and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe. And then a decision needs to be made on Itumeleng Khune, Njabulo Ngcobo, George Matlou, Hlanti, Sithebe, Sabelo Radebe and Tebogo Potsane. And that’s not mentioning the big decision to make over Dolly and renewing his gargantuan pay packet. If those eight players are not going to be part of the plans after 30 June, which looks to be the case, maybe it is better to stop using them now or even to pay them off right away and start with a clean slate immediately. Doing that would give a chance to blood youngsters and to come to a verdict on those question mark players listed. For too long, Chiefs have had a big squad of players on a similar level with only a few guaranteed starters. They’ll need a clearer best XI for next season to close the gap to the top of the table. Right now, you could ask 20 fans or analysts what the Amakhosi best XI is and you’d get 20 different answers. That is only okay when you have the schedule and the depth of Mamelodi Sundowns or Manchester City.