Makua questions whether some Kaizer Chiefs players are good enough for the club

Kaizer Chiefs must prove they are genuine Betway Premiership title contenders by responding as a team in the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates at the end of the month, says former midfielder Frank Makua.

Amakhosi are fourth in the league with 14 points after eight matches, but already trail second-placed Orlando Pirates by eight points. Their latest setback was a draw with Stellenbosch on Tuesday.

“The season is still long, hey. It’s a marathon and there are still a lot of games to be played, so obviously you can’t just say Pirates will walk it,” Makua told KickOff.

“Chiefs have to raise their hand and say, ‘Even us, we’re in contention to win the league.’ It’s all up to them to roll up their sleeves, go out there, fight as a team and get the result.”

Makua said the challenge facing Chiefs would be particularly demanding against an Orlando Pirates side whose energy was evident in their recent victory over TS Galaxy.

“You saw them when they played against TS Galaxy. Those guys can run the whole day; they are full of energy,” he said.

“It was nice seeing them win after losing that trophy, the MTN8. They showed character and bounced back.”

The former Amakhosi midfielder, known as “Disco”, believes Chiefs need a clear plan and greater determination in attack after their performance against Stellenbosch.

“For Chiefs to get it right, they have to work very hard. They need to come up with a strategy to help one another,” Makua said.

“Especially from the game they played against Stellenbosch, there was no hunger in the last third. It’s difficult. You can’t always let these people down; make them happy sometimes.”

Makua also linked Chiefs’ poor home attendances, particularly at FNB Stadium, to the team’s performances. Orlando Pirates, by contrast, regularly fill Orlando Stadium.

“Look at Pirates supporters. Orlando Stadium is always full because they can see that their players are giving 100% commitment,” he said.

“But with Chiefs, I still doubt some of the players and whether they deserve to play for Chiefs.”

Makua believes a run of victories would quickly improve the atmosphere around the club and encourage more supporters to attend matches.

“For me, these guys must start winning games and people will come. If they win four games in a row, it will change everything,” he added.

“People think, ‘Why must I waste my money travelling from far when the players don’t show any decency and recognise that these people travelled from far? Let’s go out there, fight and make them happy.’ They don’t do that.”