THERE'S a lot of criticism headed Kaizer Chiefs' way unless the players start pulling their socks and return to winning ways after losing five consecutive matches in all competitons.
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Kaizer Chiefs are set to all but finish the season barren unless something drastic and magical happens in the Betway Premiership title race, which is unlikely.
That’s why on this week’s The D-Line Podcast, with hosts Malibongwe Mdletshe and panelists Herman Gibbs and Malibongwe Mdletshe, we unpack where Chiefs got it wrong and how they can ensure that they salvage this season.
In their lengthy discussion, the trio agreed that the appointment of co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef was unwarranted in the first place, with the duo having done little to convince the masses that they had what it takes to succeed former club head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
While there’ve been calls for Amakhosi’s chairman Kaizer Motaung to hire a renowned football administrator to assist his children in running the club — Kaizer Motaung Junior (sporting director), Bobby Motaung (football manager) and Jessica Motaung (commercial and marketing director) — the trio weighed in on that practicality.
With Chiefs’ struggles continuing at the Village, there’s been a stark contrast of fortunes at Mayfair and Chloorkop. Both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are relishing a title race that has pitted them neck and neck, as the Sea Robbers only lead by virtue of a superior goal difference with both teams locked on 44 points.
Sundowns are used to crunch time as they pursue an eighth successive league title, and have shown consistency by winning their last six league games, which is why the onus is now on Pirates to try and keep up with them until the very end. But can they?
The podcast couldn’t end without the three wise men diving into the war between the United States and Iran, analysing the impact it might have on the upcoming Fifa World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico in June.
*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