Kaze: Finishing In The Top 3 Will Be A Miracle

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze says it is almost impossible for the club to finish in the top three of the Betway Premiership this season, stressing that building a successful team requires time and patience.

Amakhosi began the season strongly, raising hopes among supporters that the club could challenge near the top of the Betway Premiership standings.

However, results have recently taken a downturn, with Chiefs suffering three consecutive defeats against Stellenbosch, Orlando Pirates, and Richards Bay.

The recent losses have slowed their momentum, leaving the Glamour Boys currently sitting sixth on the league table with 30 points after 18 matches played so far this season.

Despite the dip in form, Kaze insists the club is still on the right path and urged everyone to remain patient with the rebuilding process.

“A football team is not built in one night, it is a process, and I’m not saying we are starting a process now, but it is a process that started a few years ago,” Kaze said.

“This is a big club, but the expectations from the fans come day by day. We win three games in a row, then fans start talking about winning the league, then you lose two or three games, and they start talking about firing the coaches.

“But all those things are a process that started; we need to focus on what we are doing, and we also need to know where we are coming from.

“I gave you the stats of 2023/24; we finished in the 10th position, and last season we finished in the ninth position. I’m pretty sure that we are in a very, very good direction, but everyone needs to push that direction.”

The Soweto giants have also endured disappointment in cup competitions this season. Chiefs were eliminated in the Carling Knockout and the Nedbank Cup by Stellenbosch, while they failed to qualify for the MTN8.

On the continental stage, the Phefeni Glamour Boys were also eliminated in the CAF Confederation Cup after losing a vital game to Egyptian giants Zamalek.

Recently, Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr revealed that the club’s ambition is to finish in the top two of the Betway Premiership.

Kaze, however, believes that achieving a top-three finish would already represent significant progress for the team.

“I will say that on my part, we believe that to finish in the top three will be an amazing achievement,” he added.

“However, finishing in the top three will be a miracle. We are working every day to finish as far as we can.”

Chiefs will now turn their attention to their next league assignment as Kaze’s side prepares to face Durban City at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon, where they will be aiming to redeem themselves and continue pushing toward their objectives for the season.