There’s no denying that Kaizer Chiefs have endured yet another underwhelming season, despite finally claiming their first trophy in a decade. Their triumph in the Nedbank Cup, where they edged out rivals Orlando Pirates at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, was a moment of long-awaited celebration. But one trophy can’t fully mask the club’s continued league struggles.
In the Betway Premiership, Chiefs find themselves ninth on the table heading into their final match — just one position better than last season’s disappointing 10th-place finish. If they manage to squeeze into the top eight, it would be seen as a minor victory given their inconsistency and underperformance.
A Spark in the Darkness
However, amid the mediocrity, one bright spark has emerged — Glody Lilepo. The Congolese winger joined Chiefs in January and has since proven to be a critical attacking asset. In just 14 appearances, the 27-year-old has netted five goals, making him the club’s top scorer in the league this season. That translates to a goal every 2.8 matches — an impressive return for a mid-season signing still adjusting to new surroundings.
For perspective, Kaizer Chiefs have only scored 25 goals across 27 games this season, while conceding 32. In stark contrast, reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns have scored 65 and let in just 13. This gulf in attacking firepower highlights just how crucial Lilepo’s contribution has been in a struggling side.
His goal-per-game ratio ranks just behind the league’s top scorers: Lucas Ribeiro (16 goals), Iqraam Rayners (14), and Arthur Sales (8), all of whom play in more dominant teams. That Lilepo is competing statistically with this elite group suggests Chiefs may have stumbled upon a potential game-changer.
Building Around Lilepo
With head coach Nasreddine Nabi calling for patience as he works on reshaping the squad, Lilepo offers a glimmer of hope. If given the right support — both tactically and in terms of squad reinforcements — he could be the cornerstone of a revitalized Chiefs attack next season.
To truly compete with the likes of Sundowns, Chiefs need to rebuild around their most effective players, and Lilepo has quickly shown he belongs in that category. His direct play, ability to score under pressure, and sharp positioning make him a natural match-winner. A full preseason under Nabi’s guidance, plus a more coherent attacking unit around him, could unleash his full potential.
In a season marked by frustration, Glody Lilepo has been a rare highlight. If Kaizer Chiefs are serious about returning to the summit of South African football, the Congolese winger must be central to their plans.
Glody Lilepo’s arrival at Kaizer Chiefs midway through the season may have come with little fanfare, but his impact has been nothing short of transformative. In a team that has struggled for creativity and consistency in front of goal, his ability to find the net, create chances, and inject energy into the attack has been a breath of fresh air. He hasn’t just added goals — he’s brought belief, excitement, and a glimpse of what a more dynamic Chiefs side could look like.
A Chance for Strategic Rebuild
Looking ahead to next season, there is a real opportunity for the club to recalibrate and construct a squad with Lilepo as its focal point. Too often, the Chiefs have been reactive rather than proactive in the transfer market and tactical setup. With a full preseason under Nasreddine Nabi and the chance to build around a proven talent, the club could finally move away from the mediocrity that has plagued recent campaigns.
However, relying solely on Lilepo won’t be enough. He needs quality around him — players who can share the creative load, midfielders who can link play, and defenders who can allow the attackers to play without constant pressure. In short, Chiefs must build a team worthy of his talents. If they do, they not only increase their chances of competing for the title but also send a strong message to rivals that the Amakhosi are no longer a team treading water — they’re on the rise again.
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