Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Brent Carelse believes Kaizer Chiefs are moving in the right direction and could have something to celebrate by the end of the season.
Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates in last weekend’s Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium, Carelse has been encouraged by Amakhosi’s performances under coach Fernando da Cruz.
The defeat saw Chiefs drop to fifth position in the Betway Premiership, but the former Sundowns and Chippa United midfielder believes there were plenty of positives to take from the match.
Carelse impressed by Chiefs despite Pirates defeat
Carelse admitted that he initially expected Chiefs to cause an upset against their Soweto rivals, particularly because of the way they started the encounter.
Speaking to KickOff, he praised Amakhosi’s opening performance but pointed out that Pirates were more clinical when their opportunities came.
“I thought Chiefs were going to cause an upset because of the way they were playing. I think they did well in the first 30 minutes or so, they looked like a team that wanted to win but unfortunately Pirates came back and took their opportunities,” Carelse said.
He added that the difference between the two sides was their ability to convert chances, with Pirates taking advantage of their opportunities while Chiefs failed to do the same.
Although disappointed by the result, Carelse described the encounter as a good advertisement for South African football.
Chiefs tipped to finish the season strongly
The former midfielder believes Chiefs can achieve something meaningful this season if they maintain the level of performance they showed during the opening stages of the Soweto Derby.
According to Carelse, consistency will be crucial if Da Cruz’s team wants to turn promising performances into tangible results.
“Look, the way they played, there were a lot of positives. If they continue that way they will do well and have something to show come the end of the season, being consistent and playing the way they started the match against Pirates,” he added.
His comments offer encouragement to Chiefs supporters, who are hoping to see the club end its long wait for major silverware.
Carling Knockout presents Chiefs with another opportunity
Chiefs now have an opportunity to respond on the pitch when they face Siwelele in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals.
A victory would take Amakhosi closer to another chance of winning silverware this season and provide an opportunity to build momentum after the derby disappointment.
With Carelse backing the team to finish strongly, the challenge for Da Cruz and his players is to turn their encouraging performances into consistent victories.
Do you agree with Brent Carelse? Can Kaizer Chiefs win the Carling Knockout Cup and end the season with silverware?
