Kaizer Chiefs climb to second as title race heats up after Marumo Gallants victory

KAIZER Chiefs strengthened their position in the Betway Premiership title race on Wednesday night, edging Marumo Gallants 1-0 at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium to climb into second place on the table.

The result moves Amakhosi above arch-rivals Orlando Pirates and leaves them two points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, adding further intrigue to a title race that supporters are now watching closely.

A decisive second-half strike from Glody Lilepo settled the contest, continuing Chiefs’ strong start to the year across competitions and keeping momentum firmly on their side.

Supporters sensing opportunity

Chiefs supporters have grown increasingly optimistic in recent days, particularly after Pirates were held to a goalless draw by Sekhukhune United over the weekend.

“This one is ours!” fans have been heard shouting, referring to the Premiership title race, while also reminding rivals: “Games in hand are not points!”

Confidence among supporters has been boosted by recent results, including victory in continental competition and a league win over Golden Arrows, tightening the gap among teams at the top before Wednesday’s encounter.

With the latest win, Chiefs have now put themselves firmly into contention, although the race still has months to run.

Kaze explains halftime shift

Co-coach Cedric Kaze admitted Chiefs were not at their best early on, but credited a second-half improvement for securing all three points.

“We are happy for the three points. I believe that we didn’t start the game well. The first half was a bit sloppy, little bit reactive. We had to tell the players that we really want the three points, we need to go out there and get on the front-foot and I believe the second half was much, much better and what a goal,” Kaze said.

“What a goal, we are very happy to get the three points and we now going to focus on our CAF Confederation Cup game on Sunday,” he added.

Kaze also praised substitutes who helped steady the side late on.

“We knew that sometimes players that are getting much time struggle a bit and especially on the field when there were a lot of 50-50 duals and we are happy with the contribution of Ndlovu when they came in, they stabilised the team and we were able to be more threatening on our attack,” Kaze said.

Looking ahead, he stressed the work continues.

“The consistency, we have to work every day, we have to criticise ourselves; to improve every day and the players are willing to do the work. We are willing to do the work for Kaizer Chiefs and everyone responds in a very positive way and we have to work hard because the season is far from over and there’s everything to play for,” he added.

Former players see turning point

Former Chiefs defender Morgan Gould believes the club’s improvement stems from internal reflection and renewed focus.

"It's looking at how you can correct and fix and keep what's working for you. And also to focus on where your strengths lie," Gould told Soccer Laduma.

"You know there's a saying that when you run, look for the biggest mountain. And if you get to the top, don't look back because the moment you look back, someone else is creeping up on the side. So focus on your race, run your race, and you'll ultimately become the winner of your race," he said.

"And also, I think the guys did a phenomenal job by doing self-introspection. And that just go to show you this season that the introspection that they've done always did lead. And it's working very well," Gould observed.

After finishing ninth last season, Chiefs now find themselves in the thick of the title battle, with attention quickly shifting to upcoming domestic and continental fixtures.