Even though a lot will be expected of head coach Nasreddine Nabi if he gets his second season at Kaizer Chiefs, an ex-Amakhosi star has suggested why they will still be miles behind Mamelodi Sundowns.
Nabi's first season at Naturena has not gone according to script, with Chiefs stuck in eighth place on the log following a goalless draw against Cape Town City.
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After missing a number of glaring chances, it became clear that the side could still be lacking the necessary quality in the final third.
Nabi is understood to be pressurizing management into making several more signings in the off-season to boost their chances of competing.
However, George Lebese, who has played for both Chiefs and Sundowns, has explained why the Soweto giants will still be far behind the defending champions next season.
"I think one thing that Sundowns does is they plan ahead. Right now, they are playing for next season, they are not playing for this season," Lebese said on 947's MSW.
"If you look at them now, they are trying to find combinations. It's safe to say the league is almost gone. It's not about the league anymore, it's about finding the right players, bringing in youngsters.
"So, they've always been ahead. Kaizer Chiefs is just playing for this season, they are trying to survive this season.
"That's the major difference, and if they're gonna have players that will represent the club for five, six, seven years, it would be better. But to keep on chopping and changing, it just takes two steps forward, three steps back," suggested the former winger.
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Amakhosi will resume their Betway Premiership campaign with a visit to Richards Bay FC on Sunday.
The Brazilians could seal the championship as a contest should they beat Orlando Pirates in a top-of-the-table clash at FNB Stadium on Sunday.