Yeye Sends Strong Message To Kaizer Chiefs! Letsholonyane Believes Amakhosi Have What It Takes To Win Trophies

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe ‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane believes Amakhosi have enough quality within their squad to compete for major honours this season, but insists that the players must take responsibility and turn their potential into positive results.

The former Bafana Bafana international has offered his assessment of his former club following an inconsistent start to the 2026/27 campaign. Despite showing encouraging signs during the opening weeks, Chiefs have struggled to maintain the consistency expected from a club of their stature.

Their difficult spell has included disappointing results in the Betway Premiership and a painful CAF Confederation Cup exit against Zambian side Red Arrows. The continental elimination increased pressure on the technical team and raised questions among supporters about the direction of the project under head coach Fernando Da Cruz.

However, Letsholonyane believes the situation should not simply be blamed on the coach.

Speaking to iDiski Times, the former Amakhosi midfielder explained that he was initially impressed by the organisation and structure he saw in the team when the new season began.

“When the league started, I remember saying that this was the most organised Chiefs that I’ve seen in a very long time. They looked organised in how they played. Things were clear in how they defended, how they attacked and how they wanted to play,” Letsholonyane said.

He acknowledged that injuries, changing combinations and disappointing results have made the situation more difficult. Nevertheless, he believes the players must accept their share of responsibility.

“I don’t think it’s about the coach. Yes, the coach does the training, but in the end, the people that are playing are the players. The players must also work hard, put in more effort, grind out the results and show who they really are and that they want it.”

His comments place the spotlight on the squad, particularly the experienced players who are expected to provide leadership when the team faces difficult moments.

Attention has now turned to the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates, a fixture that carries enormous significance for both clubs and their supporters.

Letsholonyane understands the pressure surrounding the encounter, having experienced the occasion during his playing career at Naturena. He believes Chiefs needed a positive response after their continental disappointment and welcomed their Carling Knockout victory over TS Galaxy.

The former midfielder also cautioned against treating the Derby as the deciding moment of the entire season. There is still plenty of football to be played, and a positive result could help Chiefs rebuild confidence.

Letsholonyane has also challenged the suggestion that the title race should already be viewed as a contest between only Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

He believes AmaZulu deserve recognition for their performances and has not ruled out Chiefs returning to the championship conversation.

“If Chiefs win their next two games, the Derby and the following one, the language becomes different. Suddenly, it could be a three-horse race,” he explained.

Source;

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