Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande has urged the Soweto giants to improve their consistency if they hope to compete with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns for silverware.

Chiefs have endured an inconsistent start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season, collecting 14 points from eight matches to occupy fifth place on the league standings. They are already nine points behind leaders Sundowns, putting pressure on the team to improve its performances.

Katsande, who established himself as a dependable midfielder during his time at Naturena, believes the club must rediscover the winning mentality that once made it one of South Africa’s most successful football teams.

Speaking to KickOff, the former Zimbabwean international stressed that consistency would be crucial if Amakhosi wanted to challenge for major honours.

“For me I just feel like they just need to have consistency. When you want to compete with the big boys and you want to be part and parcel of that top three we were last season, we need to be consistent,” Katsande said.

The former midfielder, affectionately known as “Salt and Pepper” during his playing career, also emphasised that representing Kaizer Chiefs comes with significant expectations.

He believes the players must understand that winning games is essential, even when the team is not performing at its best.

“Every game we need to be competent, you know the culture of Kaizer Chiefs, you just need to win, no matter you are having a bad day at the office but you need to win,” he added.

Katsande also highlighted the importance of delivering trophies to satisfy the club’s passionate supporters. Chiefs have endured a lengthy wait for major domestic silverware, increasing the pressure on the players and technical team to turn their fortunes around.

The former Amakhosi stalwart urged the coaching staff to recognise the expectations that come with leading one of the country’s biggest football clubs.

“For people to fall in love with Chiefs is about winning and winning trophies, so those guys need to know where they are, the coach also needs to know that the people are thirsty to win silverware and bring back the club where it is supposed to be,” he said.

His comments reflect the growing frustration among supporters who want the club to challenge consistently for league titles and domestic cup competitions.

With Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns continuing to set high standards in South African football, Chiefs face the challenge of closing the gap and proving they can compete consistently at the highest level.

For Katsande, the message is clear: Amakhosi must embrace the responsibility that comes with wearing the club’s badge, improve their performances from match to match and rediscover the winning culture their supporters expect.

Kaizer Chiefs Told What They Must Do to Compete With Orlando Pirates and Sundowns for Silverware - Briefly.co.za