Sport

Five years without a win: Kaizer Chiefs face TS Galaxy mental test

FOOTBALL

Smiso Msomi|Published

KAIZER Chiefs will be chasing more than momentum when they meet TS Galaxy in the Betway Premeirship match on Sunday.

Image: Backpagepix

Kaizer Chiefs head into Sunday’s Betway Premiership clash against TS Galaxy carrying both momentum and a stubborn psychological hurdle — a five-year winless run against the Rockets.

In the last 10 meetings between the two sides across all competitions, Chiefs have failed to register a single victory. 

Eight of those encounters have ended in draws, while Galaxy have claimed the other two, underlining just how difficult this fixture has been for Amakhosi in recent years.

That record adds an intriguing layer to what is already a significant match at FNB Stadium, where Chiefs will be aiming to secure a fourth consecutive league victory and strengthen their grip on a CAF Confederation Cup place.

The Soweto giants come into the clash on the back of a hard-fought comeback win over Orbit College, a result that lifted them into third place on the Betway Premiership standings. 

With momentum now on their side, there is a growing sense that Chiefs are peaking at the right time in the season.

Their cause is further strengthened by a timely boost in defence.

Zitha Kwinika and Inacio Miguel are both available again after serving suspensions, while captain and goalkeeper Brandon Peterson has returned to training, offering renewed stability at the back. 

The trio have been central to Chiefs’ defensive solidity this season, contributing significantly to their clean sheet record.

Their return could prove decisive against a Galaxy side known for its resilience and ability to frustrate opponents — something Chiefs know all too well given their recent head-to-head record.

While the defensive reinforcements will be welcomed, Chiefs’ approach remains grounded, with the focus firmly on maintaining consistency rather than getting carried away by recent results.

Playmaker Ethan Chislett emphasised that mentality in the build-up to the game.

“Obviously we are in good spirits from the last game. Confidence is high, although we know that we can improve and do better. We can’t rest on previous results; we need to forget about them and focus completely on TS Galaxy, which it what we are doing,” he said.

That measured approach reflects the broader mindset within the squad — one that prioritises steady progress in a tightly contested race for continental qualification.

For Galaxy, the fixture presents an opportunity to once again disrupt Chiefs’ rhythm and extend a remarkable unbeaten run in this fixture.

Their ability to grind out results against Amakhosi has become a defining trait, and they will look to lean on that history.

However, Chiefs’ current form, coupled with the return of key defensive figures, suggests this could be their best opportunity yet to finally break the cycle.

As the season enters its decisive phase, the stakes continue to rise — and for Chiefs, this is about more than just three points. 

It is a chance to overcome a lingering hoodoo and reinforce their credentials as genuine contenders for a top-three finish.