Kaizer Chiefs were in the running to win an unlikely treble earlier this week, but those chances quickly diminished.
After winning four consecutive matches across all competitions in 2026, Amakhosi climbed to second place in the Betway Premiership and positioned themselves well to advance to the knockout stages of the CAF Confederation Cup. However, with rivals Orlando Pirates winning their game in hand midweek, the Glamour Boys dropped to third place, now trailing their Soweto rivals by five points.
On Wednesday evening, Chiefs suffered their first defeat of the year, losing 2-1 to Stellenbosch in the Nedbank Cup round of 32.
Amakhosi had won the trophy last year, and many believed the team could defend the title that took them 13 years to secure.
Reasons Kaizer Chiefs may struggle to win the league
Lack of Depth
Having won their opening four matches of 2026 by the same scoreline, questions arose about whether the team’s defensive capabilities were genuinely tested. Against Stellenbosch, the Soweto giants were challenged and exposed defensively.
The coaches rotated players, but this strategy backfired, revealing that Chiefs lack the depth needed to win major titles.
No Killer Instinct
Amakhosi have struggled to find the back of the net this season. In the recent match, Mduduzi Shabalala missed three golden opportunities to score, which could have changed the outcome of the game.
For Kaizer Chiefs to secure the league title, they need to improve their goal-scoring and defensive performance. When under pressure, they have failed to keep a clean sheet.
Lack of experience in key positions
In defence, Chiefs lack a strong leader, with Brandon Petersen being the only notable figure. In the midfield and attacking positions, the team does not have a seasoned player who can inspire younger teammates during challenging moments.
On the other hand, the Pirates have experienced players like Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Makhehlene Makhaula, and Deon Hotto, who can lead effectively. These players have won titles and have participated in AFCON and CAF tournaments, providing the necessary guidance to younger teammates.
Mamelodi Sundowns also have experience in their team, having won the Betway Premiership eight consecutive times. If Kaizer Chiefs are to win the league, they need to win at least 12 of their 15 remaining matches.