Kaizer Chiefs’ inconsistent showing this season has placed them in a situation where every game is a must-win encounter, as they face the danger of missing out on the top eight in back-to-back seasons.
Amakhosi are currently eighth on the Premiership log, and they have a date with TS Galaxy on Saturday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane (7pm kick-off).
The last encounter between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw, as goals from Samukele Kabini and out-of-favour striker Ranga Chivaviro ensured the sides shared the spoils last December at the Mbombela Stadium.
Fresh off a crushing 2-1 loss against Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium last Saturday, Amakhosi’s season has taken a turn for the worst.
And with only seven matches still left, coach Nasreddine Nabi needs to find quick solutions as the campaign lies solely on his side winning the rest of their matches to guarantee a place in the MTN8 competition next season.
The Tunisian mentor has, throughout the season, asked for patience from the fans, as the project he is building requires time.
But part of that building also requires some progress, and with the club having suffered more losses than wins this season, he could also be running out of time if he doesn’t turn the corner soon enough.
Following their 2-1 loss against Manqoba Mngqithi’s Arrows, the Amakhosi faithful made their feelings known, with a few boo-boys making a return as their unhappiness rang around the iconic stadium.
That followed them also voicing out their dissatisfaction after captain Yusuf Maart missed a penalty early on in the game.
It was their second successive loss to Abafana Bes’thende this campaign following their 1-0 defeat earlier this season.
With both fixtures played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Arrows virtually had two home matches, which they didn’t even have to face the hassles of travelling for.
The Glamour Boys have their traditional home at the FNB Stadium, but they also often visit the New Peter Mokaba Stadium and Durban’s 2010 FIFA World Cup venue for some of their home matches.
And outside of the travelling they have to do between games, they could also be missing out on building a fortress that could be similar to those that the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have, as teams find it hard to make the trip to their respective homes and come back with points.
They will welcome a Galaxy side that have thrived under the guidance of Adnan Beganovic.
Despite their 2-1 loss the last time out against Marumo Gallants at the Mbombela Stadium, they have been on a decent run of form, and look well set to back up their sixth-place finish from last season.
Chiefs have no choice but to secure three points, as one of the major hurdles Nabi faces for the rest of the season is the pressure from the teams nipping at their heels.
With Arrows (three) and Chippa United (two) now holding games in hand, they are fast closing the gap on the Soweto giants.