Kaizer Chiefs legend Sylvester Kole says he feels Amakhosi have what it takes to challenge for the Absa Premiership title this season.

The Glamour Boys secured a 2-1 victory over the defending champions when Khama Billiat opened the scoring, before Parker equalised seven minutes later. However, an own goal by Bangaly Soumahoro proved to be the difference.

Kole believes Amakhosi duo Willard Katsande and Siphiwe Tshabalala were crucial in keeping the Sundowns threat at by in the middle of the park with the help of George Maluleka.

‘We gave Sundowns too much space in the first half. Especially Ramahlwe Mphahlele had a difficult time early on, also because they didn’t play with real wingers,’ Kole told the Kaizer Chiefs website.

‘They got too much space to knock the ball behind our defence. ‘That’s when Willard Katsande and Siphiwe Tshabalala started marshalling the middle of the park. They were both outstanding, getting support from George Maluleka, who also did well.’

The Amakhosi legend says he was particular impressed with Chiefs’ second half performance, and he believes if Steve Komphela’s side continues to performance this way they will be title contenders.

‘We were able to shut them down, even though Khama Billiat and Percy Tau still tried to penetrate through the middle,’ he added.

‘If we can continue to play as we did in the second half and add a little bit more aggression, then we can definitely challenge for the league title.’

The Soweto giants are currently placed second in the Absa Premiership standing, with 39 points and have won 10 out of 22 matches played so far this season, trailing leaders Bidvest Wits by two points.

Kaizer Chiefs will now take on Acornbush United in the next round of the Nedbank Cup on Sunday.

The match at the Kabokweni Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix