What lifting trophy means to Chiefs

A win for Kaizer Chiefs over Baroka FC this afternoon will crown them this season’s Absa Premiership champions. And here’s a handful of reasons what that triumph would mean for Amakhosi.

CELEBRATE CLUB’S 50TH

Early this year, Chiefs celebrated their 50th anniversary. And such was the beauty of their commemoration that they included the old and current generation of players, supporters, administrators and staff in their celebration. But everyone associated with the club will know that the most astute way to add the topping to their half-a-century milestone would be seeing the club return to the pinnacle of South African football.

END TROPHY DROUGHT

It’s been five seasons since a trophy entered the cabinet of Naturena Village. And that is a poor record for the most successful club in the country.

But with the Premiership title within grasp, the return of the glory days in the Village couldn’t be nearer.

RETURN TO CONTINENTAL FOOTBALL

Chiefs’ success in local football is well documented. But that they remain the only team without a continental star above their crest from the big three – which include Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns – remains a cause for concern.

And should they win the championship trophy this afternoon, they’ll re-enter Africa’s premier club knockout competition next season in a grand fashion.

REPAYING SAMIR NURKOVIC EFFORTS

It’s been a while since Chiefs had a striker, let alone a player, who can single-handedly drag them over the finish line. And Nurkovic is on course to doing that.

The Serbian trails the three leading league’s top goal scorers, Gabadinho Mhango, Peter Shalulile and Bradley Grobler, by two goals.

ERNST MIDDENDORP’S SHOT AT REDEMPTION

Middendorp’s re-appointment as Chiefs’ coach was greeted with criticism in December 2018.

Such was the fans disdain that when the German failed to steer the team to a top-eight finish on the standings and Nedbank Cup crown last season, they wanted him out.

But now he is on the brink of delivering the coveted title in South African football.

SAMIR Nurkovic. | BackpagePix