Amakhosi have been grinding hard through their struggles and despite the inconsistency they have shown this season, they can take a lot of confidence from the fact that through their difficulties, their current eighth league position has shown a lot of improvement compared to last season.
The Glamour Boys ended up in 10th place last year, but as things stand, they are on course to surpass the points tally they achieved in that campaign.
They also have a Nedbank Cup semi-final showdown against either of Mamelodi Sundowns or Sekhukhune United to look forward to later this season after beating Stellenbosch FC 3-1 in the quarter-finals.
Currently on 29 points, Chiefs are only seven points away from the 36 points they achieved last season and with eight games left to gain a few more positions in the log, they still have full control over how the rest of their season can turn out.
Here, Obakeng Meletse looks at the three key areas they need to improve on after the international break to end their season on a better note.
Consistency in team selection can bring consistency in results.
Through injuries and lack of form, Nasreddine Nabi has had to shuffle his team for the majority of the season and despite finding some solid contributions through the likes of Thabo Cele and Pule Mmodi, in comparison to the leading teams, he has not had a consistent eleven that can build on to potentially challenge for honors next season.
Edson Castillo and Wandile Duba recently made a return from injury, and particularly with Duba having been given a forward role, which he seemed to do well on before his injury, he could be a player that can fit right into the team’s plans immediately.
This will be an area that Nabi and his technical team need to get to the bottom of, especially as some of the decisions they make now could have an impact on what happens next season.
Key players need to stand up.
Much of their issues have come from the fact that they struggle to find the back of the net on regular occasions and for a club with aspirations to finish with the top four positions, 22 goals in 22 matches is just not good enough.
There has been a lot of pressure placed on youngsters within the set-up throughout the campaign but with the likes of Gaston Sirino yet to reach their full potential, his side will be desperate for him to deliver the performance he’s capable of.
Taking a leaf out of the enemy’s page to secure silverware
Sundowns have once again been the form team of all the Premier Soccer League sides and with the Nedbank Cup approaching the business end, Chiefs could have a potential date with the Brazilians, and their do-or-die meeting could be the opportunity they have longed for in the last decade to break their trophy drought.
Despite their dominance, Sundowns have also shown that they can be beaten and with Chiefs desperate for some trophy success, they can take a few lessons from Orlando Pirates’ 2-1 win on Sunday in the Betway Premiership.
Chiefs have already suffered three defeats at the hands of the Pretoria-based outfit this season, including a 4-0 loss in the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout competition, but with the unpredictable nature of cup competitions, Nabi, in between his league responsibilities, needs to place a high level of priority in ensuring that his chargers give themselves a chance in the final, regardless of who they face .