Kaizer Chiefs have been vulnerable at the back since the resumption of the Premiership. Last week they were humbled 3-1 by Bloemfontein Celtic and Chiefs haven’t kept a clean sheet since the local football reboot.
DURBAN – Kaizer Chiefs’ problems are piling up the closer they get to the finish line.
Amakhosi dropped another two crucial Premiership points on Sunday night as they shared the spoils in a 1-1 stalemate with Stellenbosch FC at Orlando Stadium.
The Glamour Boys came from behind to claim the point with Lazarus Kambole coming off the bench to snatch the equaliser for Chiefs by linking with Reeve Frosler in the second half.
With the title race at boiling point and Amakhosi losing steam when it matters most, they needed Kambole to come to their rescue. Fortunately, the Zambian broke his scoring duck since joining Amakhosi at the start of the season from Zesco United of Zambia.
It looks like he saved his best for last and his goal might prove the most important in Chiefs’ chase for glory.
Stellenbosch broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Ashley du Preez whipped an exquisite cross into the path of Leletu Skelem, who headed his side into the lead. Defender Siphosakhe Ntiyantiya couldn’t track the telling run made by Skelem from the blindside, leaving him wanting in defence.
Amakhosi have been vulnerable at the back since the resumption of the Premiership. Last week they were humbled 3-1 by Bloemfontein Celtic and Chiefs haven’t kept a clean sheet since the local football reboot. They have conceded seven goals in their last four games with most of those coming at critical times.
Coach Ernst Middendorp must also be blamed for the defensive frailties as he has changed the back four like underwear.
Amakhosi are still at the summit of the table, however, six points ahead of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns. They have 53 points after 26 games while Sundowns are on 47 with a game in hand.
Sundowns are still hunting the treble and could reduce the gap to just three points by the time the two sides meet in what is turning out to be a winner takes all clash on Thursday. The Brazilians face Golden Arrows tonight.
Chiefs will have to take on Sundowns without talisman Samir Nurkovic, who picked up his sixth yellow card and is suspended for the game against the Brazilians. Leonardo Castro was also substituted in the first half after picking up an injury.
It might be problems galore for Chiefs but luckily for them, Sundowns have also been out of form.
Remaining fixtures at a glance
Monday: Maritzburg United vs Bidvest Wits, AmaZulu FC vs Bloemfontein Celtic, (both 3.30pm); Mamelodi Sundowns vs Golden Arrows, (6pm)
Tuesday: Black Leopards vs SuperSport United, (6pm)
Thursday: Bloemfontein Celtic vs Bidvest Wits, (3.30pm); Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns (6pm)
Friday: Stellenbosch FC vs Chippa United, (6pm)
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