Kaizer Chiefs find themselves in a do-or-die situation, with their inconsistent form throughout the 2024/25 season leaving them in desperate need of back-to-back wins—starting with fierce rivals Orlando Pirates.
Amakhosi stunned many by reaching the Nedbank Cup final, securing a 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium two weeks ago. The result booked their place in the final, marking their first appearance since they last lifted the trophy in the 2012/13 season.
That win may serve as a timely boost — possibly even a good omen — as the club navigates one of the most challenging periods in their recent history. However, they cannot ignore the urgent need to string together a strong run of form, or risk ending the season in further disappointment.
With that in mind, here are five key talking points that they must addressed ahead of their highly anticipated Soweto Derby clash.
The need to be switched on
It’s easy to assume that Kaizer Chiefs — currently ninth on the table with just 30 points from 25 matches — will be outclassed by a more consistent Pirates side, who have already beaten them earlier this season (1-0). However, the Soweto Derby has a history of defying form, and Chiefs’ recent performances against both Sundowns and Pirates suggest they are capable of rising to the occasion.
They’ll have no choice but to do just that on Saturday, especially with Pirates eager to bounce back after their disappointing CAF Champions League exit—a tournament in which they were strong contenders.
Defensive errors
The entire team must take accountability for the errors that have led to goals, as opposition attacks don’t start only in front of the backline. While the goalkeepers and central defenders have been heavily criticised for lacking sharpness, the responsibility must also extend to the midfielders and forwards.
Chiefs have conceded 29 goals in 25 matches — not solely due to defensive lapses, but also because the team often fails to break up attacks earlier, before they reach the final third.
Reliance on youngsters has backfired
In the early part of the season, Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala emerged as standout performers in a Chiefs side transitioning under new coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Much pressure was placed on the youngsters, and for the most part, they coped admirably. But in recent matches, the situation has become increasingly difficult. Over the course of the season, few others have truly stepped up to steady a side that has been spiralling for months. This weekend could be the perfect time for some senior players to finally take control.
Hanging on to an advantage
Successful teams do the right things consistently — something that has eluded Amakhosi this season. Glody Lilepo’s stunning opener against Marumo Gallants wasn’t just a goal that gave Chiefs the lead; its spectacular nature had the potential to lift the entire team.
However, it was the visitors who responded better, taking control and ultimately securing all three points — a pattern that has been repeated far too often this campaign.
Such lapses cannot be afforded against a quality Pirates outfit. Coach Nabi and his technical team must find a more effective balance between protecting a lead and managing the pressure that comes with it.
Next Kaizer Chiefs Match!
🏆#BetwayPrem
⚽️Kaizer Chiefs vs. Orlando Pirates
👕First Team
🗓️Saturday 03 May 2025
🏟FNB Stadium
🕞 15h00
📺SuperSport 202, SABC 1
🎟SOLD OUT🚫
🚗Toyota Zone
🚌 Park and Ride
🚍Rea Vaya
📢Please come early!#Amakhosi4Life #AlwaysHome #SowetoDerby pic.twitter.com/Lwoua6xfXJ— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) April 29, 2025
Breaking through the barriers
Conceding goals hasn’t been Kaizer Chiefs’ only issue this season — scoring them has also proven to be a major challenge. With just 23 goals in 25 matches, the team is averaging under one goal per game, which points to deep-rooted problems in the attacking department.
Greater accountability is needed across the front line, particularly against a Pirates defence that has shown vulnerability, especially when defending set pieces.
