Kaizer Chiefs’ fixtures that will make or break their season

Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director has made it clear that the ultimate target this season is CAF Champions League qualification.

Motaung feels this dream is achievable despite being 14 points behind both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns who occupy the top two spots.

While Chiefs have a match in hand, they would still be 11 points behind the leading duo even if they won it, but Motaung feels their target is achievable.

Qualifying for Champions League will need Chiefs to finish in the top two but even as they strategise how to get there, there are key matches that will make or break their season.

Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs

Chiefs are still smarting from last weekend’s hammering in the Soweto Derby which dented their slim title hopes and the next one is on April 25.

The Glamour Boys have won just one of their last six meetings against Pirates, the Nedbank Cup final last season, but in the PSL, they have lost five straight.

Pirates’ 3-0 win on February 28 was their biggest over Chiefs in 25 years and to have a chance of qualifying for continental football, Amakhosi must win this one.

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs

It does not get any better for Chiefs as after facing Pirates, their next match will be against perennial champions Mamelodi Sundowns on May 6.

Chiefs and Sundowns played out a goalless draw when they last met in August but that was when they were in great form and it is not certain that they will win this time.

However, they must get three points at Loftus Versfeld if they have to achieve their objectives but that is easier said than done as Chiefs have not beaten Sundowns in the league in their last nine meetings, losing seven and drawing two.

Sekhukhune United vs Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs’ run of tough matches will continue on May 10 when they play away to Sekhukhune United, who are also looking to qualify for either Champions League or Confederation Cup.

Babina Noko are already three points ahead of Chiefs in third spot but they have played two games more. However, the way they ran Sundowns close and drew with Pirates should be a warning while Chiefs will remember that it is Eric Tinkler’s side who handed them their first defeat of the season, beating them 3-1 in September.

In their last meetings, Chiefs have two wins, two draws and one win for Sekhukhune but this season, Babina Noko are tough to play against.

AmaZulu vs Kaizer Chiefs

Chiefs will complete a run of six away league games with a tricky away clash to AmaZulu FC on May 16, their penultimate match of the season.

AmaZulu, currently one point ahead of Chiefs, but with two more games played, have been hard to break down.

Having secured a 1-1 draw in October, Usuthu have lost just once to Chiefs in their last five meetings, winning one and forcing three draws.