Kaizer Chiefs coach outlines why PSL title dream is quickly fading

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Dillon Sheppard has outlined the combination of factors that could derail them from winning the Premier Soccer League title.

Chiefs dropped more points on Tuesday when they drew 1-1 with Stellenbosch FC as they came from a goal down to rescue a point.

It was the fifth draw in the last six games for Chiefs, the 10 points dropped leaving them nine behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played a game more, and eight adrift of second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have played eight matches like them.

Inacio Miguel of Kaizer Chiefs playing against Stellenbosch FC. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Sheppard is worried that his team is dropping easy points, which is already having a negative impact on their season.

Chiefs coach on what is letting them down

“I don’t think it is a case of sitting for one point. We go game by game, each game has different merits and metrics and obviously, we want to win a football match,” Sheppard said on Tuesday.

“Obviously, we are doing enough to win a game but if you look at the types of goals that we are conceding, we have to be better especially in those defensive moments.”

Mduduzi Shabalala against Stellenbosch, Image: Kaizer Chiefs

With just one clean sheet in the league this season, Sheppard is also concerned by his team’s poor defensive record while he is frustrated by a lack of clinical edge from a young attack.

“The stats are showing us that we are sitting third in conceding chances per game,” he added. “We are not conceding a lot of chances but the problem is that teams are scoring so it is something we have to improve on.”

“We are picking up points but its not good enough for us,” says Dillon Sheppard. ✌️ pic.twitter.com/15ol4rdEaw
— SoccerBeat (@SoccerBeatZA) October 13, 2026

Sheppard lists Amakhosi’s key problems

“It is also a thing with our young attacking force, young [Wandile] Duba gets a chance today [and misses] and if he could have taken his chances, he could be top goalscorer already,” he further stated, explaining the fine margins that are derailing them.

“These are things we keep on working on and the only place is the training ground to try and improve.

“The most important thing is that we are not losing games and it is not good for us. We want to be competing and if we want to be up there, we need to pick up points.”

Chiefs last won the title in 2015 and they look well short of what rivals Sundowns and Pirates have in terms of quality which will make a shot at league glory difficult this season.