Kaizer Chiefs Top 3 chase: Three key areas Amakhosi must fix after Durban City win

Kaizer Chiefs returned to winning ways on Sunday afternoon after beating Durban City 1-0 in a Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium, moving up to fifth on the log with 11 games to play this season.

While the victory offered some relief, not all is well for Amakhosi. There are key areas they need to address before mounting a serious challenge for a Top 3 finish.

Establish a consistent defensive unit

Chiefs’ defence has lacked stability since the start of the year due to injuries and inconsistent form. The team’s number one goalkeeper, Brandon Petersen, is also sidelined after undergoing surgery for an undisclosed medical condition.

Be that as it may, it should not serve as an excuse. Co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef must prepare their players to seamlessly fit into the system whenever called upon, without looking out of place.

The tendency to immediately reintroduce players once they are available also disrupts momentum. Inacio Miguel, for instance, has struggled to find consistency due to being in and out of the team, yet continues to earn starting berths when available.

This constant rotation has unsettled the defence and has not helped goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma, who conceded four goals in two matches before keeping his first clean sheet of the season against City.

Convert chances into goals

When Kaze backed up claims that the team has not been poor this season by referencing statistics ahead of the City clash, it may have reassured analysts. However, chances created mean little if they are not converted into goals.

Heading into the final stretch of the season, Amakhosi’s attackers must improve their finishing, as every goal will be crucial in the race for a top-three spot. While Chiefs have often secured narrow 1-0 victories, this approach could prove costly in the closing stages as teams battle for their respective objectives.

Flavio Silva, the team’s main goal threat, is currently enduring a dry spell and needs to rediscover his scoring touch to help Chiefs maintain momentum.

Make effective substitutions

Football matches can also be won from the bench, but Chiefs have yet to master that aspect, with substitutions often failing to make the desired impact. This has raised questions about the decision-making of the co-coaches.

The duo has defended their so-called “impact players”, stating that they contribute as required but often fall short of standing out. With the season entering its final phase, time is running out for excuses. Amakhosi must maximise all available resources, particularly players coming off the bench.

Given their winter signings, squad depth is not the issue. The responsibility lies with Kaze and Ben Youssef to utilise it effectively.

*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch