Kaizer Chiefs’ Betway Premiership Title Hopes After Former Coach Rules Them Out As Favourites

• Ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson shared his assessment of the Betway Premiership title race after six games
• Johnson pointed to Chiefs' frequent lineup changes under Fernando da Cruz as a key factor limiting their consistency
• A football analyst during a chat with Briefly News weighed in on whether Amakhosi have what it takes to close the gap on the league leaders

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson believes the Betway Premiership title race has already narrowed to two serious contenders, and Amakhosi are not among them.

Speaking to FARPost, Johnson assessed the standings after six league rounds and was direct in his conclusion.

"When you look at it now, it's a two-horse race. I think it's six games now. It's Sundowns and Pirates," he said, adding that AmaZulu FC have also shown stability early in the campaign.

Chiefs' inconsistency a concern for Johnson

Chiefs currently sit fourth on the log, unbeaten but far from clinical. Three draws in six matches have cost the Soweto club eight points relative to leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played two additional games. Second-placed Orlando Pirates hold four points more than Chiefs from the same number of outings.

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Johnson pointed to team selection as a central issue under head coach Fernando da Cruz.

"There are a lot of things you have to take into consideration now, but I say it's Sundowns and Pirates," he told FARPost. "It's very difficult [for Chiefs] because they change their line-up quite often. He [Da Cruz] changes one or two players; sometimes he changes three players."

Amakhosi are chasing their first league championship since the 2014/15 season. Sundowns, meanwhile, are motivated by a domestic-trophy drought last season, despite clinching the CAF Champions League. Pirates enter this campaign as defending Betway Premiership champions, targeting back-to-back titles.

Analyst backs Johnson's view

Football analyst Uche Anuma, speaking exclusively to Briefly News, echoed Johnson's scepticism about Chiefs' prospects.

"I think Kaizer Chiefs are not equipped enough to challenge either Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns for the Betway Premiership this season, but they can still be a problem to either of them," he said.

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Anuma did, however, leave room for a longer-term shift in the balance of power.

"I think Pirates and Sundowns are still a level above Chiefs, but if Amakhosi can maintain consistency with the team, especially in the managerial aspect, they can be regarded as one of the favourites to win the title soon."

Source: Briefly News