Kaizer Chiefs have raised expectations after a number of big signings could have meant that they are now ready to compete with Mamelodi Sundowns. However, when analysing the state of their team right now, the club may still have a long way to go.
On Thursday, Amakhosi confirmed the signing of striker Efmamjjasond Gonzales Palacios (to be known as Jasond Gonzalez), a Colombian who last played for Bolivian club Real Santa Cruz.
With a few exciting signings, and given their large support base, Chiefs are now expected to compete for major honours, like the league title and cup competitions. However, with a new coach in Molefi Ntseki and mostly new players in the line-up, is it realistic to expect them to challenge reigning league champions, Sundowns?
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For Amakhosi to start winning again or reach the Brazilians' level, they still need to develop a philosophy, a way of playing that they can be identified with.
The Tshwane giants have been playing the same way for a number of years and it makes it easier for players to understand what is required from them and it builds a better team culture, which can be sustained.
The Glamour Boys are still in the early stages of understanding what Ntseki requires from them and it takes time to build that identity and tactical understanding.
Former Kaizer Chiefs striker, currently at TS Galaxy, Bernard Parker suggests it will take some time for his former club to reach the level Sundowns are at now.
"Coaching is a process and within the journey, what you believe in, you have to believe in the vision that you have to imply, these days we call it a philosophy," Parker said on Marawa Sports Worldwide, when asked why Chiefs are far behind Sundowns.
"There are forms in football, hence I'm saying it's a process. We start with a forming phase, then your norming phase, your storming phase, your performing phase and the last one is your excelling phase.
"So, right now Sundowns are in the excelling phase," he said.
The reason why Orlando Pirates are regarded as the nearest team to challenge the Brazilians is that Jose Riveiro has developed a philosophy that they can be identified with and that helps with finding consistency in results.
Chiefs have had a high turnover of players leaving and joining the team for a few years, and the same can be said of their coaches.
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So, for Amakhosi to compete at the Brazilians' level, they would need to find consistency in their philosophy and be patient with their coaches.
Since the Glamour Boys last won a trophy in 2015, only former coach Steve Komphela lasted more than two full seasons at the club.
Chiefs take on TS Galaxy in their next PSL fixture at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday at 3 pm.
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