Two weeks ago, Kaizer Chiefs expressed relief after the arbitrator ruled in their favour in their matter regarding
two of their league fixtures “postponed” due to a Covid-19 outbreak.
Two weeks later, Chiefs expressed their shock at the PSL’s u-turn on the arbitrator’s ruling. Whether Chiefs win or lose the saga off the field, what remains most important is what happens on the field. From the evidence we’ve seen so far, the back and forth surrounding Kaizer Chiefs’ Covid-affected games could prove irrelevant insofar as the title race is concerned.
The excitement of the ruling in favour petered down after they lost to Golden Arrows on 19 March.
10 – Chiefs’ defeat was their first home defeat against Arrows in 10 seasons, since losing 2-1 against them in
September 2011.
Having said that, they have not been as bad as many would have you believe this season. Indeed, with 30 points
still to play for, they still look like the best placed side to finish 2nd behind Sundowns, and maybe even pose a
late challenge.
35 points from 20 games is their lowest return in a season under Baxter, but it remains their 2nd best total in the last five seasons (Middendorf’s pre-Covid highflyers had 45). Returning fans could give them much needed momentum, especially when you consider their home form.
16 – Chiefs have won 16 points at home this season, enough to place them 8th on the home league table, level
with Sekhukhune.
In the absence of fans, their away form has helped. Chiefs have already equalled their away points totals from
2016/17 and 2018/19. They should overtake their away points total from last season (20) in this game. With nine
points still to play for on the road, that could be an indicator of progress.
Their only away defeats this term came against the teams starting this weekend in 1st and 2nd on the table – no one should be embarrassed by that. 19 – No team has won more points away from home than Kaizer Chiefs this season (19, level with Sundowns).
In contrast, Chippa have been atrocious at home this campaign. They are the only team yet to win a home game
this season, and with 5 home games to play, they risk going an entire season without a home win. No team in
PSL history has ever completed a full season without a home win.
Even in 1999, Mother City won two home games. Five games is a long time to get a positive result, but Chippa will be wary of the threat caused by Stuart Baxter:
10 – This will be Stuart Baxter\s 10th match against Chippa in all competitions, and he’s only lost once before
(W5 D3 prior).
Other matches
TS Galaxy v Royal AM
0 – Royal AM are yet to lose in all competitions away this year (W2 D2), and have scored more goals away in the
league than any other side in 2022 (6).
Arrows v SuperSport
1 – Under Kaitano Tembo, Supersport have won just one of the five games they have played away to KZN
opposition.
City v Baroka
1 – City have lost just once at home in the league all season – a record only Sundowns & AmaZulu can better
(both 0).
Stellies v Sekhukhune
0 – Stellies are yet to win a league game this year (W0 D3 L1), a record they share with AmaZulu (W0 D2 L1).
Maritzburg v Swallows
4 – Swallows have scored just 4 goals away from home this season, the fewest of all sides in the top division.
