Chiefs and Pirates: Permutations for MTN8, CAFCL qualification
Chiefs and Pirates: Permutations for MTN8, CAFCL qualification
Kaizer Chiefs go into their last match of the season barely holding onto the final MTN8 spot. Meanwhile, Pirates are fighting for their CAF spot.
Amakhosi are heading to Cape Town for their final PSL match of the season against Cape Town City.
Furthermore, it is Cavin Johnson’s final game in charge of the club. With this in mind Amakhosi and Johnson want to finish their season on a high. More importantly, they have to if they are going to qualify for the MTN8 next season. Let’s take a look at the permutations heading into the final round.
WHAT CHIEFS NEED TO DO TO ENSURE MTN8 QUALIFICATION
As things stand, Amakhosi are in 8th position in the latest DStv Premiership standings. However, with just one round of action left they have everything to play for. Currently, just two points separate 12th-placed Chippa United from Amakhosi. Meaning, it is a five-way race for the final MTN8 berth.
Amakhosi, AmaZulu and Polokwane City are all tied on 36 points. Meanwhile, Golden Arrows (35) and Chippa United (34) are just behind them. So, any dropped points will likely see Chiefs misfit. Therefore, a win is essential to their hopes. If they win, they just need to ensure that they maintain a better goal difference over AmaZulu. As things stand, Amakhosi have a -3 goal difference with Usuthu one goal behind them (-4). Meaning, even a win might not be enough if AmaZulu can win by 3 or more and Chiefs only win by one.
Simply put, Chiefs must win and AmaZulu must not better their winning margin by more than two goals when they face AmaZulu. A draw, would see Usuthu, Polokwane City or Arrows leap frog them with if any of these sides win. Amakhosi have to win and they will have close eyes on AmaZulu and Polokwane City who host TS Galaxy. All matches kick-off at 15:00 on Saturday, 25 May 2024.
ORLANDO PIRATES FIGHTING FOR CAFCL SPOT
Despite Mamelodi Sundowns wrapping p a record seventh consecutive DStv Premiership title, there is a lot to play for heading into the final round. Amakhosi are in a five-horse race for the final MTN8 spot. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates are fighting for the rights to play continental football next season.
The Bucs currently sit in third place with 49 points. So, they are just one point behind Stellenbosch FC who are on 50 points. Meaning, if Stellies drop points away to Richards Bay and Pirates manage to beat SuperSport United they can qualify for the CAF Champions League. The good news is that they have sealed third spot. Thus, qualifying for the CAF Champions League.
Stay tuned to The South African as we bring you all the latest news from Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and the PSL.