Why Kaizer Chiefs' final-day fixture in Durban is not a glorified vacation

A few weeks ago, Kaizer Chiefs defender Reeve Frosler conceded that it would be extremely difficult for the team to stay motivated after securing a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership. That has seemingly been the case.

Chiefs once again needed the heroics of goalkeeper Brandon Petersen to secure all three points against AmaZulu in their penultimate clash due to being lacklustre and off-beat on the day. The lack of focus was telling, as goalscorer Glody Lilepo lost his composure by removing his shirt during his celebration — resulting in a second yellow card and a costly sending-off.

With Chiefs heading into their season finale against Chippa United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off), they will need to deliver one final professional performance before heading into the off-season. Here is why:

Possibly bidding farewell to Kaze and Ben Youssef

Co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef are set to learn their fate after the season ends this weekend. There is a strong possibility that their contracts will not be renewed when they expire at the end of June. Despite enduring a mixed spell both as Nasreddine Nabi’s assistants and recently as interim coaches, they have enjoyed more highs than lows this season. They guided the team to a top-three finish for the first time since Chiefs ended as runners-up during the 2019/20 campaign.

Having fallen well behind perennial rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in recent years, Chiefs have shown genuine signs of competing with the country’s top sides again — proving why they deserve to finish alongside them in the top three this term.

Matching their best points tally in recent years

Chiefs have slipped down the pecking order in recent seasons, to the extent that they uncharacteristically finished outside the Top 8 in each of the previous two campaigns under coaches Molefi Ntseki, Cavin Johnson, and Nabi. However, Kaze and Ben Youssef have significantly improved Chiefs’ fortunes this season, with the club set to finish third on the log and qualify for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup alongside Nedbank Cup champions Durban City.

Chiefs’ end to the season could become even more rewarding. Victory against Chippa would see them finish on 57 points — matching their best tally since they ended as runners-up under coach Ernst Middendorp during the 2019/20 season — a feat that could offer some genuine consolation for their trophyless campaign.

Repaying the faith shown by the people of Durban

The Moses Mabhida Stadium has been something of a fortress for Chiefs this season. They have won all five matches played there across all competitions, whether walking out as the designated home or away side. The decision to host their home match against Chippa United in Durban instead of their traditional venue, the FNB Stadium, was initially met with mixed emotions by regional supporters.

However, given the team’s excellent record at the venue, it may prove to be the perfect setting to conclude their season considering everything at stake. It will serve as an ideal appreciation match for the people of Durban, who have backed the team passionately throughout the campaign.