Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
The final round of the South African Premier League will see Kaizer Chiefs take on Polokwane City. The clash is set to take place in Johannesburg on Saturday, 24 May, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 Central European Time. I’m offering my pick for the winner of this match.
Match preview
Earlier this month, the Chiefs ended a decade-long trophy drought by claiming the South African Cup. They toppled arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the final, but that’s about all the team can boast about this season.
In the Premier League, the Amakhosi have struggled, and there’s long been speculation about coach Nabi’s future. A victory in this season’s finale would secure a top-8 finish, granting them a spot in the MTN 8 tournament this summer. Notably, Kaizer Chiefs remain the most decorated club in MTN 8 history with 15 titles.
At home, the Chiefs have picked up more than half of their points, but they’re still considered one of the weaker sides in terms of home form. Only SuperSport and Golden Arrows, both fighting for survival, have managed fewer home points.
Offensively, Nabi’s men have been far from impressive. The squad lacks a clear goal-getter, with Duba and Lilepo leading the charts at just five goals apiece.
Polokwane finished bottom in 2020 and were relegated. Their return to the top flight took three years, but they managed to stabilize mid-table, ending last season in eighth place.
This campaign, they’ve managed to maintain the same level, but haven’t been able to push beyond mid-table. If Polokwane avoid defeat against Kaizer Chiefs in the final round, they’ll likely at least match last year’s finish.
It’s worth noting that the team plays pragmatic football, scoring too few goals compared to direct rivals. On the other hand, their defense is solid: 25 goals conceded is the best record outside the top three—Mamelodi, Orlando, and Stellenbosch.
On the road, Polokwane have serious problems, scoring just five goals in 13 matches (only Maghasi have fewer). They’ve only managed two away wins all season, so they travel to Johannesburg as clear underdogs.
Match facts
- Chiefs have both scored and conceded in four consecutive matches.
- The Amakhosi are winless in eight straight Premier League fixtures.
- Polokwane haven’t tasted victory in nearly two months.
- Polokwane have scored just three away goals in 2025.
- Kaizer Chiefs average 1.1 goals per home game, while Polokwane average 0.4 away goals per match.
Probable lineups
- Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Solomons, Kwinika, Dove, McCarthy, Maart, Ngcobo, Sirino, Lilepo, Duba, Matlou.
- Polokwane City: Bvire, Ndlovu, Nkaki, Nkhani, Mantosi, Kambala, Mafangule, Dlamini, Letshedi, Appollis, Rafadu.
H2H
- In the last eight head-to-head meetings, both sides have claimed three wins each.
- Kaizer Chiefs haven’t beaten Polokwane at home since 2018.
Prediction
The hosts are considered favourites and are expected to claim all three points in the season finale. Given Polokwane’s poor away record, Nabi’s men should be closer to victory. The match is unlikely to be high-scoring, but it certainly won’t be dull. I believe Kaizer Chiefs will give it their all and ultimately come out on top. My pick: a win for the Amakhosi.
