Five consecutive victories have propelled Amakhosi into third place in the Betway Premiership standings, collecting 45 points and opening a six-point gap over AmaZulu FC. Their recent form has been emphatic, with 12 goals scored across wins against Magesi FC, TS Galaxy, Orbit College FC, and Durban City FC.
However, beneath the surface of this impressive streak lies a looming challenge that could define their season.
With seven matches remaining, Chiefs face a daunting schedule — six of those fixtures will be played away from home. In a league where consistency on the road often separates contenders from pretenders, Amakhosi’s Top 3 ambitions are far from secure. Even their highly anticipated clash against Orlando Pirates in the second Soweto derby will technically count as an away fixture, adding further pressure to an already demanding run-in.
Co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has made it clear that finishing in the Top 3 is non-negotiable for a club as big as the Glamour Boys.
“It is the minimum to be in the Top 3 for us. For a big team like Chiefs, it is the minimum. You want to be in the Top 3. It means consistency. Last season, we won the Nedbank Cup, but this season we are better in the league,” said the Chiefs coach following their 4-1 victory over Dikwena tsa Meetse on Wednesday.
“We continue to fight. We continue to build. In the new season, the team will be back to winning trophies and to be one of the best in Africa.”
While the confidence within the camp is evident, the road ahead will ultimately determine whether Chiefs’ recent momentum is a sign of genuine progress or simply a timely purple patch.
Their final home fixture — against Chippa United on 23 May — may yet prove decisive. But before that, Amakhosi must navigate a gruelling stretch away from Naturena, where their resurgence will either be cemented or exposed.
