Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Thuso Phala has pointed out a combination of issues at Amakhosi, emphasizing the need for stronger player acquisitions to bolster the team's performance.
The Soweto giants host TS Galaxy on Tuesday and are currently on the verge of missing out on a top eight spot.
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Phala suggests that the current squad lacks the depth and quality required to compete effectively in the league.
"TS Galaxy comes into this one as favourites, I think they've had a good run, they've been playing good football," Phala tells KickOff.
"Kaizer Chiefs have been under pressure, so it's going to be a difficult game for them. I think the fans are expecting more in terms of the last result against SuperSport United, and also they've just lost against Sundowns," he said.
The retired star highlighted the pressure on the team and the coaching staff, suggesting that even with a skilled coach, without the right player quality, success may remain elusive.
"It's going to be very difficult for Chiefs tonight, I don't see them getting a result against Galaxy, the best thing for them would be a draw today. With the material they have Chiefs, it's very difficult for them, I think they need to make some changes.
"So it's all about who they will acquire for next season. This is the lesson to them that they need to go out and sign big players."
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Phala also came into the defense of Cavin Johnson, whom he worked with at Platinum Stars and SuperSport United.
"I know him very well. He is my father that one. He is not struggling at Chiefs, but the problem is the material that is there. I mean even if you take coach Rulani Mokwena to Kaizer Chiefs now, do you think he will win them the league?
"So Chiefs' problem is not the coach they must just go and acquire big players who can help them challenge for the league. I'm not saying the players that they have now are the problem, but I'm saying they must add big players on top of the current ones.
"They need bigger players around the current ones. We can't have a Chiefs team not having a single player in our AFCON squad. We need big players who will carry the team."
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