Former Bafana Bafana left-back Tsepo Masilela has weighed in on the chances of Kaizer Chiefs finishing in the top three and qualifying for continental competitions.
Amakhosi are sitting eighth on the Betway Premiership log, after collecting 25 points from winning seven games, playing four draws, and falling short seven times in their opening eighteen league matches.
They finished tenth last season with 36 points and opted to change their technical team by bringing in Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi who looks to be struggling to turn things around since joining at the start of the season.
Masilela, a former Chiefs player said a respectable finish is still within reach for Amakhosi, given the number of matches that are yet to be played.
“If you look at the number of games and the points, it’s still possible. Obviously, it’s not in their hands right now because they’ve got teams ahead of them, but I think they still pushing for that spot. Anything can happen in football and if they don’t get that, if they finish number fifth or top eight, it’s also a step from last season. We’re not saying they’ve done wonders but it’s a step moving forward,” he said on SoccerBeat.
The seasoned left-back had a long spell at Naturena from 2014 to 2018, he was featured in 147 matches and lifted three trophies including two league titles and one MTN8.
He added that Nabi has been provided with some of the quality players that he had requested including Makapi Lilepo who has hit the ground running since joining during the January transfer window.
Sipho Cele and Tashreeq Morris have also been part of the starting lineup since joining Amakhosi at the same time as Lilepo. Masilela remains positive that the former Young African coach can still lead Chiefs to a top-three finish.
“With Coach Nabi, the fact that they allowed him to bring his players, you know Lollipop [Lilepo] I think he was the one that he [Nabi] was pushing for, Morris also and it shows you that they still believe in him, it shows you that whatever results happen in the coming game it won’t determine his future.
“I think they more looking now at building a strong team for next season with the coach but definitely, the top three, and top four are still there you know they are still doable,” he concluded.
The Soweto Giants are gearing up for a tough clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on 1 March at Lucas Moripe Stadium. They are heading to this match with a score to settle having suffered a 4-0 hammering in their last meeting.