Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane says his side’s dreams of finishing the season on a high have been “shattered” following their 1-0 defeat to SuperSport United at the Lucas Moripe Stadium this past weekend.
The loss in the penultimate round prevented Chiefs from qualifying for either of the two CAF competitions for the upcoming season and ensured they would finish no higher than fourth in the league.
When various objects were thrown at Zwane and his players in the mining town of Rustenburg in the northwest of South Africa, the coach was struck beneath the eye and required medical attention.
The police escorted the players to safety as the renowned Johannesburg club’s dismal season continued.
Before being struck, Zwane criticised his players, accusing them of “going through the motions” in a crucial match for CAF qualification.
“We made SuperSport look good. We gave away three points. Our dreams of finishing the season on a high have been shattered,” said Zwane.
The opinions of Chiefs supporters on social media regarding the coach were divided. Some wished for his dismissal, while others believe he merits a second season as leader.
Chiefs, who have won a record 54 domestic trophies since their formation in 1970, have gone eight seasons without adding to their collection.
Chiefs had two opportunities to win a competition besides the Premiership, but lost in the semi-finals of a knockout competition and the South African FA Cup.
The lone goal in Rustenburg was scored by Zambian Gamphani Lungu five minutes before halftime, after Chiefs custodian Brandon Petersen committed an error.
The success of SuperSport, which lacked the big-money signings and depth of Chiefs, ensured at least third place and a spot in African football.
It was a particularly sweet victory for Gavin Hunt, who was fired by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 after less than a season in charge.
“Everyone knows what happened to me at Chiefs — fired after getting to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League,” he said.
Mamelodi Sundowns, who won their sixth consecutive league championship with seven matches remaining, have secured one of South Africa’s two Champions League spots.
Before next Saturday’s final round, Orlando Pirates are in second place, tied with SuperSport on 51 points, but with a superior goal differential of plus 15 compared to their rivals’ plus 13.
The third-place club enters the CAF Confederation Cup, the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League, where the financial rewards are significantly lower than in the Champions League.
At the opposite end of the table, Maritzburg United, Chippa United, and Marumo Gallants are all tied for last place with 29 points.
Maritzburg’s final match, away to Sundowns on Tuesday, is the most difficult, while Chippa host Golden Arrows and CAF Confederation Cup semifinalists Marumo travel to Swallows on Saturday.
The team that finishes last is relegated, while the team that finishes second-last competes in a play-off with two second-division teams for one Premier League spot.
Photo by Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
