Glamour club Kaizer Chiefs have been warned about the dangers of comparing themselves to Betway Premiership newcomers Magesi FC.
It took the Limpopo club only four months to win a major cup competition, while the PSL giants have been attempting to end their trophy drought for nine years now.
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Currently, Chiefs find themselves in sixth spot on the Betway Premiership log table and have already missed out on two major trophies this term.
Mlwane, who coaches in the ABC Motsepe League in Mpumalanga province and played for the club back in the 1990s, has urged the Khosi faithful to understand and support the club's management plan.
"What Chiefs should focus on this season is fighting for a Top Eight spot, which would be an achievement since they couldn't accomplish that last season," says Mlwane.
"They need to follow the process. We can only expect the current team to challenge for honours next season.
"They first need to grasp the new coach's philosophy. An airplane doesn't just take off, it needs to gain momentum by running on the runway. Stability is essential.
"Things can't change in three months, unless you have short-term goals like Magesi FC. Their success was a 'smash-and-grab'. They faced only one difficult opponent on their way to the final, while the others, such as TS Galaxy and Richards Bay FC, were relatively unstable teams that are just filling spots in the league.
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"The Kaizer Chiefs management is looking for sustainability, while Magesi seeks immediate results, which may lead them to struggle next season," adds the ex-midfield destroyer.
Nasreddine Nabi's men will host Royal AM at their alternative venue, Peter Mokaba Stadium, on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 17:45.