After Kaizer Chiefs won their first game with new signings starting, KickOff analyses where the Soweto giants could end up in the Betway Premiership standings.
Chiefs tasted their first victory with Makabi Lilepo, Tashreeq Morris and Thabo Cele all starting in a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC last Friday.
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The result was made sweeter by new signing Lilepo finding the back of the net, with the Khosi Nation starting to feel their prayers of more quality in the team have been answered.
They currently lie sixth on the log with 25 points after 17 matches, and there is optimism they will finish higher than last season and challenge for a continental spot.
Amakhosi had their worst finish in the club's history in the PSL era after ending in 10th spot in 2023/24.
However, at this stage last term, they were exactly in sixth spot on the log with 25 points after 17 games, identical to their current position and points.
So, as things stand, statistically, head coach Nasreddine Nabi has not improved the team, although the new recruits could give him an extra push to improve on the 10th place finish of last season.
Indeed, Chiefs made no January signings last campaign under interim coach Cavin Johnson and their form nosedived to unprecedented territory.
According to their stats, they have been collecting on average 1,5 points per game and, with all things being equal, could finish on around 45 points, which may not be enough to secure a continental spot - at least the CAF Confederation Cup.
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The same projection was made for the side at this stage last season and they ended up with 36 points.
However, the Naturena-based outfit will be hoping the acquisition of Lilepo, Morris and Cele will push them into the 50 points mark, which could see them compete at least for Confederation Cup qualification.
Last season, Stellies clinched third spot with 50 points, SuperSport United qualified for Africa in third position with 51 in the 2022/23, while Royal AM finished third with 47 points the season prior.