Stats Don’t Lie: Danger Everywhere-The Numbers That Favour Chiefs
Despite sitting fourth on the table, Kaizer Chiefs are quietly building one of the most complete statistical profiles in the Betway Premiership this season — with Soccer Laduma highlighting numbers that suggest Amakhosi may be closer to a title push than the standings indicate.
Chiefs are the league’s most dangerous attacking side by accuracy, averaging a competition-high 5.5 shots on target per game. That figure highlights how often they trouble opposition goalkeepers and get into prime scoring zones, even if the end product has not always matched the volume.
Chance creation backs this up. Amakhosi lead the league for expected goals (xG) at 20.4, pointing to sustained pressure and consistently high-quality opportunities inside the final third.
Defensively, Chiefs have been just as impressive. They top the league for clean sheets (9) and concede only 0.5 goals per match, joint-second best alongside Orlando Pirates. It is a record built on structure, discipline and collective responsibility.
In possession, Chiefs rank among the elite. They average 59.1% possession, second only to Mamelodi Sundowns, while also placing second for accurate passes per game (408.7) — evidence of their ability to control tempo and dictate matches.
Wide play has also been a strength. Chiefs sit third for accurate crosses (4.8 per match), ensuring a steady supply into the box, and their attacking pressure has forced mistakes, with Amakhosi winning the most penalties in the league (3) so far.
Why January Could Tip the Scale
With only a few targeted January signings, Chiefs could convert dominance into decisive results. Reports suggest Amakhosi have already concluded their January window business, giving the squad time to settle early in the second half of the season.
January already mapped out
Speaking on the Africa Connect podcast, Maliwa revealed that January plans were wrapped up months ago, with eyes already firmly on mid-2026. He stressed that modern recruitment is a long-term process involving constant engagement with coaches, the sporting director and detailed player reports — not a last-minute dash once the window opens.
Kaizer Chiefs Fans hopeful, but deeply sceptical
While Chiefs head into 2026 sitting fourth on the Betway Premiership table and still within touching distance of the leaders, sections of the fanbase remain unconvinced.
Some supporters have questioned the effectiveness of the scouting department, pointing to players who arrived with promise only to be discarded within a season. Others have gone as far as suggesting Chiefs should benchmark their recruitment models against clubs like Sundowns or TS Galaxy, arguing that too much money has been wasted on short-term fixes.
There is also anxiety about squad balance. Fans worry that adding more players in January could disrupt those still settling in, while failing to move on “dead wood” could leave the squad bloated and unfocused. At the same time, many believe one or two proven signings — particularly in attack or central defence — could genuinely tilt the title race.
Names such as Devin Titus, Sphelele Mkhulise and even out-of-favour striker Tshegofatso Mabasa continue to dominate supporter wish-lists, reflecting both ambition and impatience.
As January approaches, the mood around Naturena is clear: hope remains alive, but patience is thin. For Chiefs’ recruitment team, this window may be less about numbers — and more about finally getting the calls right.
If Chiefs begin turning shots, xG and control into goals, the numbers suggest they are well-placed to surge — and potentially tilt the title race in their favour.