Mthethwa reveals how Chiefs have regrouped for title charge

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa has offered a candid assessment of the club’s championship aspirations, admitting that while the pressure is on, the squad is ready to fight for the Betway Premiership title.

Amakhosi are currently enjoying a resurgence under their new technical team. Having already ended a painful decade-long trophy drought by clinching the Nedbank Cup last season, the Soweto giants now have their sights set on a bigger prize: their first league title since 2015.

Despite a recent exit from the Nedbank Cup, which ended their hopes of defending that specific title, Mthethwa insists that the disappointment has only sharpened their focus on the remaining silverware.

POST-CUP EXIT: SIBONGISENI MTHETHWA ON CHIEFS’ RENEWED MENTALITY

“The only thing that I can say is that the reason why we are playing is that we want to win the league,” Mthethwa said. “We are there, and if we get a chance, we have to grab it.”

The midfielder, affectionately known as ‘Ox’, emphasised that the team’s current form and their standing in Africa are driving the dressing room’s confidence.

“Our main focus now is the league and the CAF Confederation Cup. That’s the confidence that we have, you understand? That is the only thing that is pushing us now. We have to fight for it.”

The State of Play: By the Numbers

Chiefs are firmly in the mix as the season enters its business end. Here is how the land lies for the Glamour Boys:

League Position: 3rd in the Betway Premiership.

The Gap: They currently trail leaders Orlando Pirates by 5 points.

Matches Remaining: 15 games to close the deficit.

Continental Progress: Chiefs lead Group D of the CAF Confederation Cup with 10 points.

While the league remains the priority, the immediate hurdle is a high-stakes trip to Egypt. Amakhosi have jetted off to face continental heavyweights Zamalek SC at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium on Saturday, 14 February.

The equation for Chiefs is simple: a single point from their clash against Zamalek will be enough to secure safe passage into the knockout stages of the Confederation Cup. Following a dramatic 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture—where Dillon Solomons snatched a 96th-minute equaliser—Amakhosi will be looking to finish the job in Ismailia.