KAIZER Chiefs head into Wednesday night with a rare and tantalising opportunity. For the first time in a long while, Amakhosi have a clear path to the summit of the Betway Premiership — if results fall their way.

The Glamour Boys travel to the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein to face Marumo Gallants at 7.30pm, knowing that victory could lift them above long-time rivals Orlando Pirates on the log. Chiefs currently sit third, just two points behind joint leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates, who are locked on 29 points.

With Sundowns in action a day earlier against Sekhukhune United, the equation is simple. Any slip-up from Kabo Yellow on Tuesday could open the door for Amakhosi to make a statement 24 hours later.

Log pressure builds before Chiefs kick off

Sundowns for their part face a stubborn Sekhukhune United side at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, with Babina Noko looking to respond after a mixed start to the new year. Sekhukhune have dropped to fifth after collecting six points from their last five matches and are three points off the summit, having played one game more than the Brazilians.

“If you collect maximum points, you get to a really good position,” Sekhukhune coach Eric Tinkler said. “My expectation and the club's expectation is more than what they are giving, so that'll be the focus over the next couple of days.”

A draw or defeat for Sundowns would leave Chiefs in prime position to move top if they take care of business in Bloemfontein.

Amakhosi’s steady march

Chiefs’ league form has given them every reason to believe. After 14 Betway Premiership matches, they have recorded seven wins, six draws and just one defeat, remaining unbeaten on the road — the only side in the division with that distinction.

Defensively, Amakhosi have been among the most reliable teams in the league, conceding just six goals all season and keeping 10 clean sheets, with Brandon Petersen a key figure at the back. At the other end, Flávio Silva leads the scoring charts for Chiefs with four goals, while Mduduzi Shabalala has contributed three goals and one assist.

Chiefs restarted their league campaign with a 1-0 home win over Lamontville Golden Arrows and followed that up with a 1-0 CAF Confederation Cup victory over ZESCO United in Ndola, Zambia.

Following that continental win, co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef highlighted the importance of squad depth during a demanding run of fixtures.

“We know this month is so busy for us, every two days or three days we have a game. We'll play 11 games in 48 days so we will need all the squad,” said Ben Youssef.

“We have big squads so we can make rotation also and we can allow for the other players to take rest.”

Gallants searching for momentum

Marumo Gallants enter the clash placed 12th on the standings with 15 points from 15 matches. They have not won any of their last five league games, registering three losses and two draws, and most recently went down 2-0 to TS Galaxy.

While their league form has been inconsistent, Gallants have shown they can trouble big teams, with wins this season over Orlando Pirates and Chippa United. Jaisen Clifford remains their leading scorer in the league, with three goals.

For Chiefs, the equation is clear. With form, defensive solidity and a rare opening at the top of the table, Wednesday night offers them those precious three points, coupled with a genuine shot at the summit.