Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Brian Baloyi believes Kaizer Chiefs hold decisive sway in the Betway Premiership campaign, highlighting their role in the title run-in between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates lead the title race and sit on top of the table with a point more than second-placed Sundowns. However, the Brazilians have played a game less than the log leaders, who are left with five matches before they wrap up their campaign.
Pirates are bidding to lift the PSL title for the first time since 2012. Should they clinch it, that would be atoning for the agony of finishing as runners-up in the last three seasons.
They are keen on breaking Sundowns’ relentless dominance of the league. Masandawana have had a tight grip on the title, winning it consecutively for eight seasons.
BALOYI SAYS CHIEFS COULD DICTATE WHERE THE PSL CROWN LANDS
It is an intriguing battle for the crown and could rage until the last day of the season. But Chiefs might have a huge say on who is crowned champions.
With the season having reached a stage where dropping points can shatter title dreams, Pirates and Sundowns cannot afford to slip up. A resurgent Chiefs could be pivotal in this race when they face Pirates in the Soweto Derby on Sunday.
Victory or defeat for the Glamour Boys might decide the Buccaneers’ fate. Chiefs will then visit Sundowns on May 6, and again, it is a match that could influence the destination of the title.
“The funny part is Chiefs could decide where the league title goes. They are holding the cards,” Baloyi told FARPost.
“We used to talk about Chiefs being title contenders. But now they could be kingmakers. They can break or make title contenders, Pirates or Sundowns. I’m hoping for the derby to be entertaining with a lot of goals. Let’s hope the Chiefs goal-scoring gods will open up the heavens.”
BALOYI CONVINCED INEXPERIENCE THREW CHIEFS OUT OF TITLE RACE
Currently placed third on the table, Chiefs are aiming to finish the season in a position that guarantees them continental football next season. Baloyi feels Amakhosi should have been competing for the league title.
It is a season the Soweto giants started with Nasreddine as head coach, but he parted ways with the club early in the season, before his assistants, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, were thrown into the co-coaching role.
“Obviously, we all know the problems Chiefs have gone through the whole season. Losing the coach two months into the season and appointing co-coaches, and we have seen the run they had,” Baloyi added.
“They started well, then problems began, and at some point it looked like they were going to finish out of the top eight. Now they have recovered and have gone for six unbeaten games.
“We can make a lot out of it. My personal view is that inexperience from all quarters affected them. From players, coaching staff, including management. We have to be brutally honest if we want the best for Chiefs.
“To get to where they are. If it wasn’t for inexperience, they should be running for the league title against Pirates and Sundowns. If they are building for the future, it was immature for us to say they will challenge for the title.”
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