Amakhosi may get a big boost from reduced workload in the 2024-25 campaign
Kaizer Chiefs could be among the teams that might benefit from their noninvolvement in many cup matches this season given their absence from the MTN8 and continental competitions.
Amakhosi finished a disappointing 10th in the PSL last season and that meant missing out on CAF inter-club competitions as well as the MTN8 and while the club’s fans might be feeling sad, it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
This is because while their rivals, notably Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, are already utilising their squads in the two competitions, Chiefs are benefiting from an extended pre-season which is giving new coach Nasreddine Nabi enough time to get his methods across while getting to know his players more.
The extended period of preparations means Chiefs will head into their opening PSL match of the season against Marumo Gallants on September 14 fresh and in better shape when their rivals would already be juggling many options.
Nabi will have more time on the training ground
Cup competitions are known to stretch squads to the limit and lead to fatigue and injuries but Chiefs will come into matches in better shape as they will be having enough time to rest before their next fixture.
Clubs such as Pirates, Sundowns, and by extension Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC, will be playing on weekends and midweek and while the PSL champions have become accustomed to this, not every other side have the depth in squad and quality they possess.
It could therefore play in the hands of Chiefs who would have to only worry about league matches, until the Nedbank Cup begins, which to their advantage again, will mostly be played at the weekend.
It means Nabi will have an opportunity to tinker less with his squad, while having enough time with them on the training ground.
Will the less workload lead Chiefs to the title?
In the end, it could be down to quality but if they recruit well in each department, Chiefs could find themselves challenging for the league due to their less workload.
However, a reduced workload will mean nothing if Amakhosi are not producing results and on a consistent basis as this is always the foundation on which title challenges, or wins, are built on.
Many Chiefs fans are not expecting the Glamour Boys to win the PSL in 2024-25, given where they are coming from, but even a top four finish would be deemed a decent first season for Nabi, which is possible with the less fixtures.
If they can manage to squeeze in a trophy in the mold of the Nedbank Cup, that could be a massive bonus.
