Carelse: Chiefs can still finish strongly despite Soweto derby defeat

Kaizer Chiefs can still end the season with something to show for their efforts despite falling further behind in the Betway Premiership title race, according to former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Brent Carelse.

Chiefs were beaten 2-1 by Orlando Pirates in the Soweto derby at FNB Stadium, a result which left them nine points behind second-placed Pirates and 10 points adrift of leaders Sundowns.

Amakhosi had the better of the opening stages and created several chances during a promising first-half display. However, they were unable to make their opportunities count against their rivals.

The teams went into the interval level at 1-1, but Pirates were more clinical after the break and scored the decisive goal early in the second half.

Carelse said the result had been determined by the contrasting finishing of the two sides.

“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.

“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 has raised doubts over whether Chiefs can mount a serious challenge for the league championship, with the gap to the leading sides now substantial.

However, Carelse believes the performance itself offered reasons for encouragement and suggested that Chiefs could still produce a strong finish if they maintain the same approach.

“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 said.

Carelse’s assessment followed a derby in which Chiefs showed attacking intent but were ultimately punished for failing to convert their chances. Pirates, by contrast, recovered from a level half-time score to secure another victory over their Soweto rivals.

While the result strengthened Pirates’ position in second place and preserved Sundowns’ advantage at the top, Carelse’s view is that Chiefs’ display showed they remain capable of competing effectively during the remainder of the campaign.