The keys to the last escape door remaining for Nasreddine Nabi to turn a season of misfiring sounds into ultimate pleasure are back hanging within sight this week in the Nedbank Cup.
Chiefs are through to the semis of the only trophy left on offer to save themselves from the final nail confirming 10 years of waiting for silverware at Naturena.
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Of concern is that they need to find a way of getting past Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday (18:00) at Loftus Versfeld before standing half the chance in the final.
Overcoming the Tshwane giants is something that they have only done once in the last 15 meetings between the two clubs, and which last happened four years ago.
So, it all makes sense that while Amakhosi are quietly hopeful, they are equally fearful considering their form this term.
Chiefs could feel that all luck that has abandoned them in the last decade could spring back in the Nedbank Cup.
It’s now down to just two games to end the barren spell, so in their desperation they could be rallied by the fact that fortune favours the brave and Nabi could end the season as a hero.
The pain of missing out on silverware has been severe for the Gold and Black family, which is worsened by the fact that they are no longer the dominant club of the PSL era years.
The worries emanate from the fact that they haven’t been convincing at all this season having sunk to a four-game winless run as of their present form.
How they will find the ways to stop Sundowns’ attack is anyone’s guess with Rushwin Dortley out through injury, while Inacio Miguel also has similar concerns.
Given Msimango, Edmilson Dove, and Zitha Kwinika will then provide the options in front of Bruce Bvuma – who has had his fair share of questions asked about his performance.
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While in midfield there have been plenty of encouraging signs, especially with Thabo Cele embracing the responsibility, there is little to celebrate about the frontline, which is yet to score twice in a single match in the last 11 encounters involving the two clubs.
This leaves Ashley Du Preez, Tashreeq Morris, Ranga Chivaviro, Glody Makabi Lilepo, and Wandile Duba with a walk up the mountain against the Chloorkop-based side.
