Kaizer Chiefs Chase Their Strongest Streak in Seven Years as They Face Off Against Resilient Magesi FC

Despite their current position at the bottom of the table, Magesi are showing signs of improvement in recent matches, and their coach, Allan Freese, is known for his tactical nous. The Chiefs will anticipate a win, but it won’t be straightforward.

Here are some key points to consider ahead of this midweek league encounter.

Five in a Row?

The Chiefs have an opportunity to secure a fifth consecutive league victory, a feat they haven’t achieved since their remarkable eight-match winning streak during the 2019/20 season under Ernst Middendorp.

This streak represents a significant turnaround for the team after suffering three consecutive defeats earlier in the season. Remarkably, they haven’t drawn in their last nine matches (W6 L3) since their goalless draw with TS Galaxy back in early December. If we broaden the scope to all competitions, their record stands at 14 games (W9 D5).

Their impressive run has been underpinned by a solid defence, having conceded just once in their last four outings while finding the net eight times. Those eight goals represent one-third of their total league goals for the season, having only managed 16 in their previous 18 matches.

Magesi’s Golden Opportunity

While all eyes will be on the Chiefs, Magesi have a tempting prospect ahead of them. Once isolated at the foot of the table, a win could see them escape the bottom two and move into the relative safety of 14th place.

Currently, Magesi (23 matches, 17 points, -15 goal difference), Orbit College (24 matches, 19 points, -22 goal difference), and Marumo Gallants (24 matches, 19 points, -17 goal difference) are vying for the relegation spot and play-off position.

Notably, despite sitting at the bottom with only three wins in 23 matches, Magesi boast a better goal difference than Orbit College and Marumo Gallants, having conceded fewer goals (31) than any team in the bottom five.

All three of their victories this season have come at home, against Siwelele (2-0), TS Galaxy (2-1), and just last week against Marumo Gallants (3-0).

Away Streak

The peculiar scheduling this season means the Chiefs are set to embark on a stretch of seven consecutive away matches, not returning to their home ground until their final fixture of the season on May 23. Quite an unusual situation.

However, away from home, the Chiefs have performed admirably, winning five out of eight matches (D2 L1) and conceding just two goals during this period. Their sole defeat came at the hands of Richards Bay in early March.

Currently, only the Orlando Pirates (2.25 points per match) have a better away record than the Chiefs (2.13).

Magesi Aim for Milestone

Though it’s a limited sample size, Magesi will be on the hunt for their first-ever win against the Chiefs on Wednesday.

In their previous three encounters, the Chiefs have emerged victorious twice, with one match ending in a draw. In fact, the AmaKhosi have triumphed in their last two meetings, including the reverse fixture played in Durban earlier this season.

Most of the goals for the Chiefs have come from their younger players. Mdu Shabalala (22) scored twice in a 2-2 draw last season, while Wandile Duba (21) and Mfundo Vilakazi (20) were on target in the 2-0 victory in Durban. Ashley du Preez (28) added to their tally with a goal in a 1-0 win.

In that 2-2 draw, the Chiefs found themselves two goals down until the 77th minute, when Shabalala struck twice in quick succession to salvage a point.

Silva Shines Through

Flavio Silva broke a five-match goal drought with his strike against TS Galaxy on Sunday.

He now has six goals in the Betway Premiership, making him the top scorer for the Chiefs, and will be eager to reach double figures before the season concludes, especially amid attention on his position.

Silva has netted eight goals in 24 appearances across all competitions, averaging a goal every 154 minutes. While this is decent, it may not suffice for a leading striker at a club of Chiefs’ stature.

With one year remaining on his contract, and an option for an additional season, the club will ultimately decide on his future based on his goal tally.