Siphelele Mthembu Points Out Massive Kaizer Chiefs Changes and Tips Orlando Pirates to Win Betway Premiership Title

The legendary forward has commended Amakhosi's efforts to enhance their performance and believes that Chiefs have the brightest moments ahead.

The former Kaizer Chiefs forward, Siphelele Mthembu, who is currently plying his trade at Baroka FC in the Motsepe Foundation Championship has picked up some encouraging aspects from his previous club.

To turn around the club's fortunes, the Naturena-based giants brought on board accomplished coach, Nasreddine Nabi, who also brought his experienced technical staff.

The Soweto giants have endured a tough decade without any silverware, having changed plenty of coaches during that period.

Mthembu points out Chiefs' changes

Amakhosi have played five league games so far, winning two, drawing two, and losing one. They sit in position eight on the Betway Premiership log with seven points.

The Tunisian-led team has been knocked out of the 2024 Carling Knockout Cup, losing 4-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the competition's quarter-finals.

When discussing the improvements that Chiefs have made under Nabi, Mthembu is confident that his previous club will rejuvenate itself and return to its successful ways.

''You can see there is a change at Chiefs with the new coach in charge. There is a light at the club, the high intensity and the high press. The way they play it's very impressive,'' Mthembu told SportsBoom.com. 

''They are no longer slow, they are quicker than before, so those are some of the things I have noticed and it is working for the coach and the players. The coach can bring back the glory days if fans rally
behind him and show patience."

''I think it's a matter of players to say let's believe in this and that to help the team. Sometimes it's not only about the coach, but players must be committed and fight together for the badge,'' added the 37-year-old striker.

''It is good to see the team restore their belief. The coach has instilled belief and hope in the players, making sure that they get positive results while trying to rebuild.''

Mthembu, who previously donned the Orlando Pirates jersey more than ten years ago, has also shared his thoughts on whether Jose Riveiro's team has what it takes to clinch the league title this season.

Last season, the Buccaneers finished second in the Betway Premiership with an impressive 50 points from 30 games, while Mamelodi Sundowns claimed the championship title.

This season so far, the Soweto giants have played seven league matches and emerged victorious in each one. They are now at the summit of the Betway Premiership standings.

Still early for Pirates, but possible!

Mthembu is confident that Pirates have a shot at winning the league if they maintain their consistency, but he also pointed out that participating in the Champions League could pose some challenges.

''Pirates do have a chance to win the league, for years now they have built a strong team with players understanding each other. The energy and team fighting spirit are there, everyone understands what the
coach wants and what they should do on the field and the coach is always behind his players, so that gives them a chance to win the title,'' claimed the veteran centre-forward.

''However, as much as Pirates have a chance, there are other teams that we regard as underdogs, like Stellenbosch, Sekhukhune, and others, who are coming behind. So it is still early to say who will win the league."

''going to be clear when they start playing the Caf Champions League group stages, that's where we can see if they will keep their consistency both in the league and the Champions League.''

How far Pirates can go in the CAF Champions League?

Mthembu has also shared how far he thinks the Happy People can go in Africa's elite club-level competition, insisting that anything is possible.

Following their 2023/24 success, Bucs secured a spot in the Caf Champions League, and they have already booked their place in the tournament's group stage.

In the Champions League, Pirates can push, they may go all the way to the finals because, over the years, Pirates haven't struggled in the Champions League,'' he said.

''The type of football they play, I think they are faster now and capable of winning matches. Their group is not that strong. They have a better chance to beat any team, could be Al Ahly or any team, South African teams have done good homework when it comes to beating North African teams.''

Pirates have been pitted in Group C alongside Egyptian giants Al Ahly, CR Belouizdad of Algeria, and Stade de Abidjan of Côte d'Ivoire. Bucs will begin their Caf Champions League group stage journey by visiting CR Belouizdad on Tuesday, November 26.