Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Thuso Phala believes Amakhosi remain in the Betway Premiership title conversation, highlighting their defensive organisation as a key reason.
Chiefs’ position near the top of the Betway Premiership table has continued to spark discussion about their title prospects this season.
In the Betway Premiership, they are third with 30 points from 15 matches, just two behind second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns and five behind leaders Orlando Pirates.
While there are still questions around goals and overall performances, Chiefs have built one of the strongest defensive records in the league.
That stability has helped keep them close to the leaders as the season progresses into a demanding period.
Phala, who represented Chiefs, Sundowns and Platinum Stars during his career, believes that defensive base gives Amakhosi a realistic chance of staying in the race.
THUSO PHALA: KAIZER CHIEFS HAVE THE DEFENSIVE STRENGTH TO WIN THE BETWAY PREMIERSHIP
Speaking on the Omniaudioafrica podcast, Phala explained why defensive solidity often plays a decisive role over the course of a long league campaign.
“Yes, they are in the title race,” Phala said on the Omniaudioafrica podcast. “They are a better defensive team, in the league.
“I think, everybody knows this, if you have a good defensive structure, you’re a championship team.
“If you don’t concede goals, you have more, more chances of winning the game, and that is what Chiefs are doing.
“They might not be scoring goals, they might not be playing well, but they’re not conceding goals. And that sign over a championship team.
“So that’s a positive sign for us Amakhosi that come the end of the season. There might be a surprise there at the top. You never know,” Phala added.
Phala also highlighted how difficult Chiefs have become to break down. He referenced their defensive performances in both domestic and continental competition.
“Kaizer Cheifs are settled now. Teams just can’t score against them. They just can’t. In the Betway Premiership they can’t score against Chiefs. In the CAF Confederation Cup they can’t score against Chiefs. Just who will score against Chiefs?” Phala asked.
With Chiefs sitting third on the log and within reach of the leaders, Phala believes they remain firmly in the title picture.
“Amakhosi are third on the league. There is no way you can count them out of the league race, no way. We have a good shot,” Phala concluded.
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