Kaizer Chiefs have the chance to further solidify their hold on third spot when they take on bottom-placed Magesi FC in a rescheduled Betway Premiership match on Wednesday. A win would allow them to extend their lead to six points while still having a game in hand.
However, Magesi have shown some fight in recent matches, and head coach Allan Freese is no stranger to tactical challenges. While Chiefs will aim for victory, this game is unlikely to be straightforward.
Here are some key discussion points in anticipation of this midweek league fixture.
Chance for Five Straight?
Chiefs could achieve their fifth consecutive league win for the first time since their impressive eight-match winning streak during the 2019/20 season under Ernst Middendorp.
This recent form has marked a significant recovery for the squad, especially considering they suffered three consecutive defeats prior to this current successful run.
In fact, Chiefs have not recorded a draw in their last nine outings (6 wins, 3 losses) since their 0-0 stalemate against TS Galaxy in early December. Expanding this to all competitions, they have not drawn any of their last 14 matches (9 wins, 5 draws).
Their current success has stemmed from a solid defence, having conceded just one goal across the last four games, while finding the net eight times.
Those eight goals account for one-third of their total league tally this season, as they have only managed 16 goals over their previous 18 matches.
Magesi’s Golden Opportunity
While all eyes will be on Chiefs, Magesi have a significant incentive to perform well.
Currently adrift at the bottom of the table, a victory would elevate them out of the relegation zone and up to 14th place.
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) seem to be in the running for automatic relegation and play-off spots.
Despite their last-place standing and only three wins in 23 matches, Magesi boasts a stronger goal difference compared to the other two contenders. Remarkably, they have conceded fewer goals (31) than any team in the bottom five.
All three of their wins this season have come on home soil, triumphing against Siwelele (2-0), TS Galaxy (2-1), and Marumo Gallants (3-0) just last week.
Long Stretch Away
This match marks the beginning of a bewildering stretch for Chiefs, as they face seven consecutive away fixtures. Their next home game will not occur until May 23, the season’s final match. It certainly is an unusual scenario.
On the road, Chiefs have performed admirably, securing five wins out of their eight away matches (2 draws, 1 loss) and conceding just two goals during this period. Their sole defeat came against Richards Bay in early March.
This season, only Orlando Pirates (2.25 points per game) boast a better away record than Chiefs (2.13).
Magesi Aiming for Milestone
It’s a small statistic, but Magesi will be striving for their inaugural win over Chiefs on Wednesday.
In their three previous encounters, Chiefs have emerged victorious twice, with one match ending in a draw. Chiefs have won the last two meetings, including this season’s earlier fixture held in Durban.
The majority of Chiefs’ goals have come from their younger players, with Mdu Shabalala (22) netting twice in a 2-2 draw last season, and Wandile Duba (21) along with Mfundo Vilakazi (20) scoring in a 2-0 win in Durban. Ashley du Preez (28) also contributed a crucial goal in a 1-0 victory.
In the mentioned 2-2 stalemate, Chiefs were down by two goals until Shabalala scored two goals in as many minutes in the 77th minute to equalise.
Silva’s Revival
Flavio Silva ended a goal drought that lasted five matches, finding the net against TS Galaxy on Sunday.
He now leads the scoring charts for Chiefs in the Betway Premiership with six goals, and he would certainly aim to reach double digits by the season’s end, especially with increased scrutiny towards his performance.
Currently, he has eight goals in 24 appearances across all competitions, averaging a goal every 154 minutes. While respectable, this rate may not suffice for a leading striker at a club like Chiefs.
Silva is contracted for another year following this season, with the option for the club to extend for another year, but his goal output will ultimately determine the club’s decision.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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