Once regarded as one of Africa's most dominant footballing powerhouses, Kaizer Chiefs are currently facing a significant decline in their global and continental standings.
According to the latest data from FootballDatabase, Chiefs find themselves ranked 983rd in the world, 108th in Africa, and 8th in South Africa—a far cry from their glory days.
In 2015, the team was sitting at a high of 127th in the world, marking their highest ever ranking.
Back then, the team was enjoying a golden period, with a string of league titles and domestic trophies under their belt. However, the 10-year trophy drought that the club has endured since then seems to be reflected in their rankings. The drastic drop from 127th to 983rd globally highlights a period of struggle, both in terms of on-field performance and overall consistency.
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This significant decline in ranking coincides with Kaizer Chiefs' lack of major silverware over the past decade.
The club, once synonymous with success and dominance in South African football, has been unable to recapture the form that made them one of Africa's most feared teams. The absence of major trophies has led to a noticeable dip in the team's overall reputation, which has had a knock-on effect on their rankings globally and in Africa.
In South Africa, Chiefs are now ranked 8th, behind other local teams that have enjoyed more success in recent years. Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning powerhouse of South African football, sit at the top of the domestic rankings, while Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch, SuperSport United, TS Galaxy, and Sekhukhune United also all rank above Chiefs. The rise of these teams, many of whom have won domestic titles or made notable appearances in continental competitions, has further overshadowed Kaizer Chiefs' once dominant position in South African football.
While Kaizer Chiefs have made efforts to rebuild under new management, their drop in the rankings highlights the challenge they face in returning to their former glory. The club's faithful supporters, who once watched their team dominate both local and African competitions, are eager for a revival, but the road back to the top will not be an easy one.
The rankings, though an external metric, serve as a reminder of the club's fall from grace. For Chiefs to reclaim their place among the elite of both South Africa and Africa, they will need to not only win trophies but also find consistency in their performances and build a team capable of competing at the highest level. Until then, they will continue to look up at their rivals who have made strides in recent years, hoping for a turnaround that can restore them to the heights they once occupied.
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