Chiefs midfielder refuses to give up league title race

The unpredictability of football was at display this week as Absa Premiership title favourites Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates dropped points in games there were not expected to and it opened a window of opportunity for teams like Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City to fancy their chances.

Before this week’s results, Amakhosi’s chances were not so good as they trailed leaders Bidvest Wits by nine points but after seeing how quickly things can change after Sundowns were held to a draw by Polokwane City and Pirates were beaten by SuperSport United, Chiefs now feel they can put in a real challenge.

And midfielder George Maluleka felt that any player who would not fancy their chances would be at the wrong club. Wits host Sundowns this evening and a draw could well still play into Chiefs’ hands.

“It would be a little too early to take out the calculators and crunch the numbers now,” said Maluleka of their chance of clinching the most valuable prize. “We are nine points adrift so anything is still possible. I think it will go down to the very last game,” he added.

But it will not be easy for the Glamour Boys either as they will have to win as well, starting with today’s assignment at the Peter Mokaba Stadium where they play Polokwane City in a game Maluleka admitted was difficult as he felt Rise and Shine would also be fancying their own chances.

“For us … and any player to give up now would mean they are not at the right club and we will push until the last day.

“And if we were to be consistent and win the next three games, we could put ourselves in a better position.

“If we make sure we collect full points we will stand a very good chance.” Added the player nicknamed “Mido”.

While for the Buccaneers and Masandawana the league is their only hope for a domestic championship this season, Amakhosi are still in the hunt in the Nedbank Cup where they were drawn against Cape Town City on Thursday night.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.