Kaizer Chiefs' balancing act: Can Amakhosi handle the heat of Africa?

As the calendar year draws to a close, Kaizer Chiefs can look ahead to the new year with cautious optimism, knowing that greater unpredictability may yet define their campaign.

The Soweto giants will be relatively satisfied with how they have closed out the year, having produced encouraging performances in both the league and the CAF Confederation Cup.

While it would be premature to suggest that all the pieces are firmly in place, there has been a noticeable number of positives for co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef to build on as the season enters its second phase.

Given the disruption caused by the departure of head coach Nasreddine Nabi earlier in the campaign, Chiefs have coped reasonably well in navigating what has been a challenging and at times unstable period. How their season ultimately unfolds may hinge on their ability to strike the right balance between domestic obligations and continental competition.

Amakhosi find themselves back in territory they have not frequented in recent years and, with renewed ambition, they will be eager not only to sustain their promising league form but also to make a meaningful impression in the Confederation Cup.

Former goalkeeper William Shongwe says he has been encouraged by the progress shown by his former club, adding that involvement in continental competition can play a vital role in strengthening the team and accelerating their growth.

“It is always good for any team to participate in continental competitions. It builds character through the challenges that come with it,” Shongwe told Independent Newspapers.

However, the former shot-stopper has also pointed to what he believes could become a pressing concern as the competition intensifies — the relative lack of experience within the Chiefs' technical team, an area he feels may come under scrutiny as the demands of continental football increase.

Chiefs have been drawn into a competitive group that includes Egyptian heavyweights Zamalek, fellow Egyptian side Al Masry, and Zambian outfit Zesco United. With a draw and a defeat from their opening two group-stage matches, Shongwe believes it is crucial for the team to find the right balance to cope with the congested schedule and avoid being overwhelmed as the campaign progresses.

“The question will be whether they have enough rest between games,” Shongwe continued. “The fixture schedule becomes a challenge because a team that travels so much does not always get enough rest to be fresh for the next match. It will be up to the coach to manage training properly, as those will be key aspects to control. Sundowns have adapted to all the travelling, and that is something they deal with every season.

“I am not sure whether the Chiefs coaches have enough experience to manage that department, and that could be a bit of a challenge.”

Looking ahead, the 63-year-old feels that Chiefs have made clear strides from last season, with improvements evident in their overall approach, even if goals have been hard to come by.

“The creativity is slightly better, and they are no longer giving possession away in their defensive half. They are making a lot more entries into the offensive half, and as a result, they are a better team.”