Chasing Baxter: Kaze and Ben Youssef eye Chiefs’ best points haul in a decade

While the co-coaching appointment of Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef may have initially split opinion at Naturena, the duo is on the verge of outperforming almost every predecessor of the last decade.

Only Stuart Baxter, the last man to deliver league glory to Kaizer Chiefs, remains the benchmark they are currently chasing.

Amakhosi currently occupy third place on the Betway Premiership standings with 39 points from 21 fixtures. Should they navigate their final nine matches perfectly, they could mathematically reach a 66-point finish. While such a haul is unlikely to overhaul Mamelodi Sundowns—who sit on 56 points with a 10-match winning streak—or a rampant Orlando Pirates, it would represent a significant milestone in the club’s post-Baxter era.

CHASING THE BAXTER BENCHMARK AT CHIEFS

A 66-point finish would be a landmark achievement for the Soweto giants. It would mark their highest points return since the 2014/15 season, where Baxter’s title-winning side amassed 69 points.

To reach their target, Kaze and Ben Youssef must first eclipse Ernst Middendorp’s 57-point haul from the 2019/20 campaign. Unlike Middendorp’s direct, long-ball tactics, the current technical team has been praised for implementing a more structured and modern philosophy.

Chiefs head into the business end of the season with significant wind in their sails, having secured three consecutive victories. While the performances haven’t always been flawless, the clinical edge is returning. Recent wins over Magesi FC (2-0) and Orbit College (3-1) have bolstered their goal difference to +9.

However, the road to 66 points is perilous. Amakhosi still have to face both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in a high-stakes run-in that will define their season.

REMAINING FIXTURES FOR CHIEFS

APRIL

Saturday, 11th: TS Galaxy (FNB Stadium)

Wednesday, 15th: Magesi FC (Peter Mokaba Stadium)

Saturday, 18th: Polokwane City (Old Peter Mokaba Stadium)

Sunday, 26th: Orlando Pirates (FNB Stadium)

Wednesday, 29th: Siwelele (Toyota Stadium)

MAY

Wednesday, 6th: Mamelodi Sundowns (Loftus Versfeld)

Sunday, 10th: Sekhukhune United (Peter Mokaba Stadium)

Saturday, 16th: AmaZulu FC (Moses Mabhida Stadium)

Saturday, 23rd: Chippa United (FNB Stadium)