Glody Lilepo is rallying the Amakhosi faithful as Kaizer Chiefs hunt down a Top 3 finish. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Kaizer Chiefs remain ambitious about competing in continental football next season, which is why attacker Glody Lilepo has encouraged his teammates to keep working hard in their remaining 11 Betway Premiership games to secure a Top 3 finish.
Chiefs bounced back to winning ways in their last match, beating Durban City 1-0 courtesy of Lilepo’s goal. The win lifted them to fifth place on the log with 33 points, one behind third-placed Sekhukhune United, who have played two more games.
While the result reignited Amakhosi’s hopes of a Top 3 finish, it also provided some breathing space for co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, who had been under immense pressure after a four-game losing streak across all competitions.
Lilepo, speaking to the club’s media department ahead of their next home clash against Magesi at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (6pm kick-off), explained why consistency and concentration are now crucial, especially with so much at stake before the end of the season.
“It’s football. If the league is not finished, you still need to focus because there are 11 games still to be played,” Lilepo said. “So, we need to work hard to play continental football, particularly the CAF Champions League next season.”
Although Chiefs will be favourites against Magesi given their home-ground advantage and top-three ambitions – unlike the Seshego-based side, who are struggling after three draws and three losses in their last six games – Lilepo expects a tough encounter.
“We will face Magesi in our next game, and we know that won’t be an easy game because Magesi are also a good team,” Lilepo said.
“They defend and attack well. But we are training hard to win the game. If we do well, that will give us the confidence to win another game.”
Despite Chiefs’ inconsistent form this season, Lilepo has been one of their standout performers, scoring seven goals and registering one assist in 27 matches across all competitions, while also winning the January & February Goal of Month award – a contribution he is pleased with.
“I am a professional player, so I was very happy to score the goal and help my team win three points,” Lilepo said.
“If you look at the last four games, we were in a bad situation. But football is like that – one moment things are going well, and the next, they are not. We need to stay strong and focus on the work ahead.
"Even the best teams go through shifts in form, but if the team stays together, they improve. So, I was happy to contribute. We need to do better in training and work hard as a team.”
Amid the team’s poor run of form, a group of disgruntled supporters marched to the club’s headquarters to hand over a memorandum to the hierarchy, while club legends and former coaches criticised the team on social media and other platforms.
Lilepo said he understands the supporters’ frustration but called for unity during this challenging period.
“I am urging the people to continue supporting the team. It’s your team. If the players and supporters don’t become one, then the team won’t function properly,” Lilepo said. “The players work for the supporters, and vice versa.
“But life is like that – we need to work together in difficult moments and support one another. My message to the players is to stay united, train hard, and focus on winning the next game against Magesi in Durban.”
*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch