After a stellar start to the campaign for Kaizer Chiefs, old doubts and insecurities are creeping in as the season enters a critical stage.
Chiefs are winless in their last three games.
Are other sides working them out?
VIDEO: Kaizer Chiefs fans’ first meltdown of the season
What’s gone wrong for Chiefs in recent weeks?
After winning their first three and remaining unbeaten in their first four league matches, Chiefs are now winless in three across all competitions. That includes a 1-1 draw with Marumo Gallants last time out and a 3-1 defeat to Sekhukhune. Worryingly, these two matches were both at home. The club’s next encounter is a CAF Confederations Cup clash against Kabuscorp, where they have to claw back a 1-0 first-leg deficit. Ardent supporters must then wait until 19 October for the club’s next league match against Siwelele. One positive was a debut goal for Khanyisa Mayo; the 27-year-old is with Chiefs on a season-long loan.
Failure to advance in the CAF CC and more dropped points in upcoming league encounters would mean a familiar feeling of déjà vu for fans.
Is Eric Tinkler up for the Kaizer Chiefs job?
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs parted ways with Tunisian tactician Nasreddine Nabi after revelations about his coaching qualifications. Chiefs fans around South Africa have mentioned Eric Tinkler as a prime candidate, and it’s not hard to see why.
Now at the helm of an impressive and improving Sekhukune side, former Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler is seemingly the first choice of several Chiefs fans across Mzansi.
The 55-year-old enjoyed a stellar playing career, winning AFCON in 1996 and collecting 55 caps for his country.
At club level, he enjoyed playing stints in Italy, Portugal and England.
His head-coaching career spans 10 years after starting with Orlando Pirates back in 2015.
He’s also collected silverware as a boss with SuperSport and City.
In 18 matches managing Babina Noko, he’s picked up a stellar average of 2.00 points per game. This season, Tinkler’s men have started in stunning fashion, unbeaten in eight matches with six wins and two draws.