Brent Carelse backs Kaizer Chiefs to enjoy successful season despite Soweto Derby defeat

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Brent Carelse believes Kaizer Chiefs are heading in the right direction and has backed them to enjoy a successful campaign if they maintain their current level of performance.

The Amakhosi suffered a 2-1 defeat to bitter rivals Orlando Pirates in last weekend’s Soweto Derby at the FNB Stadium, a result that saw them drop to fifth in the Betway Premiership standings.

Despite the disappointment, Carelse was encouraged by Chiefs’ display, insisting their performance, particularly in the opening stages, suggested they could have secured an upset against the Buccaneers.

The former Sundowns and Chippa United midfielder believes the result did not tell the full story of the encounter, with the difference between the two sides ultimately coming down to their ability to convert scoring opportunities.

Carelse feels Chiefs showed enough quality and attacking intent to suggest they can compete for honours this season, provided they build on the positives from the derby and maintain consistency in their performances.

Speaking to KickOff, he admitted he had expected the Glamour Boys to trouble their rivals based on their approach to the game.

“I thought Chiefs were going to cause an upset because of the way they were playing. I think they did well in the first 30 minutes or so, they looked like a team that wanted to win but unfortunately Pirates came back and took their opportunities,” Carelse told KickOff.

Carelse identifies Chiefs’ missed opportunities as Derby difference

Although Chiefs made a promising start to the encounter, they were unable to sustain their early momentum as Pirates gradually worked their way back into the contest.

The Buccaneers capitalised on their opportunities to claim the bragging rights, leaving their rivals to reflect on a missed opportunity to secure an important victory.

For Carelse, the difference was not necessarily a lack of quality from Chiefs but their inability to make their dominance count when it mattered.

He also praised the overall spectacle, describing the encounter as a positive advertisement for South African football despite the disappointment for the home side.

“That was the difference between the two teams. Pirates took their opportunities and Chiefs didn’t. But it was a good game, a good advertisement for South African football but I think Chiefs let it slip.”

The defeat leaves Chiefs fifth in the league standings, but Carelse believes there is little reason for the club to lose confidence in the direction they are taking.

Former Sundowns midfielder tips Amakhosi for strong finish

Carelse insists Chiefs have shown encouraging signs in their performances and could have something tangible to celebrate at the end of the campaign if they continue developing their current approach.

He believes maintaining the intensity and attacking intent displayed against Pirates, particularly during the opening 30 minutes, will be crucial to their ambitions.

For the former midfielder, consistency will ultimately determine whether the Soweto giants can translate their promising performances into silverware.

“Look, the way they (Chiefs) played, there were a lot of positives. If they continue that way they will do well and have something to show come the end of the season, being consistent and playing the way they started the match against Pirates,” he added.

Chiefs now have an opportunity to respond to the derby disappointment when they face Siwelele in the Carling Knockout Cup.

The competition presents another opportunity for the Glamour Boys to pursue silverware, with victory moving them closer to their first trophy of the season.