Kaze Urges Focus As Chiefs Rise
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze expressed cautious optimism about their league ambitions, highlighting that they have shown progress this season compared to last term.
Amakhosi secured a crucial three points on Wednesday night thanks to a moment of brilliance from Glody Lilepo, who scored a stunning second-half goal to seal a narrow victory over Marumo Gallants.
Following the victory, Chiefs climbed to second place on the Betway Premiership standings with 30 points after 15 matches, just two points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have collected 32 points from the same number of games.
It marks a significant milestone for the Soweto giants, who last found themselves in the top two after 15 games during the 2019/20 season under Ernst Middendorp, a campaign that ended in heartbreak after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Baroka in the final match cost them the league title.
When asked about their ambitions in the league, Kaze highlighted the clear progress the team has made compared to last season, while stressing the need for continued improvement.
“We go game by game, and last season at the end of the season we were on 32 points after 30 games,” Kaze said.
“Today (on Wednesday) we’re 15 games with 30 points, so it’s a great feeling and a great improvement. But also, we feel that we still have a big room for improvement.
“We are going to compete every game, and now our focus is going to shift to our CAF Confederation Cup game against ZESCO on Sunday, then try to make it out of that game.”
The Burundian mentor also emphasised the importance of the win against Gallants, particularly given the challenging conditions at Dr Molemela Stadium.
“I would say that this is a big win away from home on a very difficult pitch,” Kaze added.
“But we didn’t want to complain about the field or feel sorry for ourselves. We’re a big team, and we need to play in every condition that we find ourselves in.
“I would say that it’s a big win. What I saw, I’m not quite sure that there are a lot of teams that are going to win in this field.”
Chiefs will pause their league campaign this weekend as they prepare to face ZESCO United in a CAF Confederation Cup clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, looking to build on their strong domestic form.
