The current technical leadership at Naturena is quietly putting together a statistically significant campaign. While the pairing of Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef may not be the traditional choice for every supporter, the numbers suggest a major turnaround is within reach.
According to iol.co.za, the duo is on track to deliver the best league return for Kaizer Chiefs in nearly ten years.
The Mathematical Path to 66 Points
Currently, the Glamour Boys sit third on the log. They have secured 39 points after 21 matches. If the team manages to win their remaining nine fixtures, they will finish the season with 66 points.
While this total is likely not enough to catch Mamelodi Sundowns, it represents a massive step forward. A 66-point finish would almost certainly guarantee a Top 3 spot. This would secure continental football, likely via the CAF Confederation Cup.
Chasing the Ghost of 2015
To understand the scale of this potential achievement, one must look back at the club’s history:
- Stuart Baxter (2014/15): The last championship-winning season ended with 69 points.
- Ernst Middendorp (2019/20): A second-place finish yielded 57 points.
Kaze and Ben Youssef are already moving past the direct, long-ball style used during the Middendorp era. They have recorded 11 wins, six draws, and four losses so far. Surpassing the 57-point mark is the immediate hurdle.
Tough Tests Ahead
The road to 66 points is not easy. The schedule includes high-stakes matches against the league’s frontrunners. They must still face Orlando Pirates, who are currently scoring freely, and the defending champions.
Kaze has expressed that a third-place finish would be a satisfying result for his tenure. It would validate the progress made since the start of the season. For a club that has struggled for consistency, hitting a ten-year high in points would be a noteworthy contribution to the Naturena legacy.
For more insights into the South African top flight, visit our latest news page.