Chiefs need to welcome fans back with wins
BEING the most followed club in local football must have been a double-edged sword for Kaizer Chiefs over the past 24 months. The recent absence of their 12th man, who had been the fuel that drove them on in time of need, has cost the club dearly.
But after a two-year spell that was filled with mixed fortunes, including losing out on the title on the last day of the term and finishing as the CAF Champions League runners-up for the first time, they can look forward to having their fans back.
On Tuesday, the PSL announced that they'll conform to the new government regulations of opening the stadiums to their 50% capacity, starting with the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals next week. Covid-19 had barred the supporters from live football for two years.
But before Amakhosi can reopen the doors to their faithful, they'll face Chippa United away from home on Saturday. This is a game that they need to win if they are going to have any chance of finishing in the top two come May.
Things have been rather upsidedown for Chiefs in 2022. They started well, amassing seven points out of nine before the chances of playing the matches they forfeited in December went up in the air as the PSL wants to review the arbitrator's directive that the games be played.
But Chiefs cannot afford to sulk around and moan. They have to do what they can to control and win matches. The senior players, such as Bernard Parker and Eric Mathoho, have got some stick for their lackluster performances this campaign.
But it's still up to them to show that they deserve to wear the famous gold and black jersey. Amakhosi need to be tighter in defence, while ensuring that they flourish upfront after only scoring four times in the last five games.
However, one of the teams that hasn't had problems with scoring goals is Royal AM. Thwihli Thwahla are second on the log after a brilliant campaign following their purchase of Bloemfontein Celtic.
The rookies' journey has been inspired by coach John Maduka and a host of experienced campaigners, including multiple championship winning winger Elias Pelembe. But they'll be away to the relegation threatened TS Galaxy this Saturday.
Both teams have ball players who can make things happen for them at any given moment. Royal AM, especially, have dubbed themselves as 'sucker punchers', having left most of their wins or come-backs late in games.
But perhaps one intriguing matches this weekend will be the six-pointer between Maritzburg United and Swallows. Maritzburg are sitting 12th on the log with 22 points, four ahead of the 14th-placed Swallows.
The Team of Choice are yet to lose this year in the league after bagging eight points out of 12.
That might be propelled by the meeting the management had with coach Ernst Middendorp amid the poor run of form in the first half of the campaign.
Swallows have struggled in their second season since returning to the top-flight.
But with coach Dylan Kerr at the helm they'll believe that they can avoid the drop. But they'll need their senior players, such as Lebohang Mokoena, to lead from the front.
In the meantime, Cape Town City, Stellenbosch and SuperSport United will be eager to keep their hunt for a top five finish alive when they face Baroka, Sekhukhune United and Golden Arrows, respectively. They are fifth, sixth and seventh on the log.