Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel insists the club’s recent surge in form should be treated as the bare minimum rather than something extraordinary.
Amid a buoyant atmosphere in the Kaizer Chiefs camp, the Angolan centre-back has urged caution ahead of their upcoming Polokwane City FC clash at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, making it clear that expectations at Naturena demand sustained excellence.
Chiefs have pieced together an impressive five-match winning run in the Betway Premiership, reigniting belief that a top-three finish — and a return to CAF inter-club competition – is within reach. Victories over Durban City, Magesi FC (twice), Orbit College FC, and TS Galaxy have propelled the Soweto giants up to third place on the table with 45 points from 23 matches.
Yet for Miguel, the narrative is not about momentum alone – it is about restoring standards at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
Rather than framing the streak as a turning point, the defender has challenged his teammates to view it as a baseline expectation.
“In the past, our main problem was finding consistency and building momentum. It’s not about winning one or two games – it’s about putting together four or five in a row, and we are now on the right path,” said the defender.
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“But it’s still not enough. At a club like Kaizer Chiefs, this shouldn’t surprise anyone. It should be normal. We want to make winning a habit.”
His comments reflect a broader cultural shift within the squad – one that prioritises sustained performance over short-term success. While the results have been encouraging, Miguel’s message is a reminder that Chiefs are still in the process of re-establishing themselves among the continent’s elite.
The 28-year-old’s own return has played a role in the team’s improved stability. After a challenging spell on the sidelines, Miguel has slotted back into the starting XI, adding composure and leadership at the back.
For a player who has rarely struggled with injuries throughout his career, the extended absence served as both a setback and a learning experience.
“I’m happy to be fit again. It’s the first time in my career that I’ve missed so many games, and it wasn’t easy,” he added.
“With the demands of playing in CAF competitions and the league, there’s very little recovery time. It’s something I’ve had to learn from, and I need to find ways to manage my body better going forward.”