Kaizer Chiefs told to forget ‘unrealistic’ Champions League

While Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr has insisted CAF Champions League qualification is the ultimate dream this season, ex-player Jabu Mahlangu thinks that is impossible.

Appearing on Marawa Sports Worldwide last week, Motaung Jr made it clear that Chiefs will not relent until they seal a Champions League ticket but that means finishing in the top two in the PSL.

However, the Glamour Boys are already 14 points behind joint leaders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns and could be 17 adrift by the time they play next, given the top two will play in midweek.

Kaizer Chiefs coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

After 18 games, Chiefs have 30 points, with both Pirates and Sundowns tied on 44 from 19 matches, and it looks like Champions League qualification might be a pipe dream after all.

Kaizer Chiefs advises against Champions League

This is what ex-Chiefs winger Mahlangu thinks as he feels the Glamour Boys are setting a target which they cannot achieve and wants the club to be looking for a top eight instead, something they could not manage in the last two seasons.

“Firstly, it’s heartwarming to hear the Sporting Director being ambitious talking the way he is talking,” Mahlangu said on SABC Sport as per iDiski Times.

Kaizer Chiefs' Mduduzi Shabalala and Kaizer Motaung Jr. — Kaizer Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala and Kaizer Motaung Jr. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

“That there is still high hope, they still want to compete against the best in the African continent.

“The mandate that he has given them [co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef], for me that’s where I have a worry. Is it realistic? Personally, I don’t think it’s realistic.

What is the best Amakhosi can get this season?

“Right now, for this season, Chiefs must just fight to be back in the top eight, and then build from there.”

Kaizer Chiefs players training. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

Chiefs finished 10^th in 2023-24 before a ninth-place finish in 2024-25 but have a chance to do much better this season despite their poor run of form.

The Glamour Boys managed 32 points the whole of last term but with 30 and still with 11 games to play this season, they have 33 more points to fight for and ensure at least a top three finish which will guarantee them a return to the CAF Confederation Cup in 2026-27.