Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze insists his side have “not yet arrived” despite a promising start to the season in both the Betway Premiership and the CAF Confederations Cup.
Amakhosi are currently enjoying a five-match unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership, which has seen them mount a title challenge that many would have considered unlikely at the start of the campaign.
With the season pausing for the Fifa international break, the Glamour Boys will once again have no representatives in Hugo Broos’ 23-man Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming friendly against Zambia on Saturday.
The break comes at an awkward time, as it risks interrupting the momentum the team has built over the past few weeks. Despite this, Chiefs currently occupy third place in the Premiership, sitting behind table-toppers Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, and maintaining focus will be crucial once league action resumes.
Kaze praised his side’s efforts this season and shared that the club has considered arranging additional matches during the international window to keep players sharp.
“When you have momentum, you want games to continue,” Kaze said.
“We have also been having extra games to keep players mentally fresh and to take some pressure off. Everyone associated with the club needs to keep our feet on the ground and remain humble.”
Chiefs will return to action against Magesi FC in a league match away at Seshego Stadium, a venue that has historically been challenging for visiting teams.
Kaze added that although the team has shown visible improvement compared to past campaigns, it remains essential to continue working hard, as the season still has a long way to go.
“We need to continue working hard because we have not arrived yet. I am aware that when you win one match here, you are the god of football, but when you lose or draw a game, then you’re a plumber.
“In this situation, we need to be concise in our message and continue to work hard because the season is still long, and it’s in our best interest to keep the momentum.”
While a large part of the squad remains available, striker Flavio da Silva has been called up to represent Guinea-Bissau, giving the club a presence on the global stage.
Kaze was pleased that the former Portuguese junior international received the call-up and, more importantly, noted that his time at Naturena has been positive, with the player showing considerable growth in confidence over his appearances this season.
The 29-year-old forward has already scored four goals in five outings this season, and Kaze expressed satisfaction with the scouting and recruitment process that brought him to the club.
“Flavio got a national team call-up; they will be playing a friendly match against Angola. His call-up is good for him and the team, and he is a player that is getting back his confidence.
“He is currently in a good space, and that can help him as well as the club, as when you get a foreign player that gets called up to his national team, then you know that you have done your homework well in terms of recruitment.”
