Chiefs have only twice before failed to finish the season in a top-eight position. But after losing three games on the trot in recent weeks, they have gone from possible title contenders to facing the potential of slipping out of the top eight.
Even with four of their last five games to be played at home, Chiefs looked to have written off their own chances of challenging for the title.
Caretaker assistant coach Doctor Khumalo hinted as much after their Sunday loss in Cape Town to Santos, which left them eight points off the leaders with a game in hand.
But if they are to slip even further, they could find themselves suddenly battling to stay in the top eight.
Chiefs slipped to sixth place on 40 points, but are just five above ninth-placed Bloemfontein Celtic.
The Amakhosi face tough fixtures next against Supersport United at Soccer City on Saturday and then Mamelodi Sundowns the following Wednesday at the same venue.
Their last three games are against Ajax Cape Town (Polokwane), Free State Stars (Phuthaditjhaba) and Amazulu at Soccer City on May 19, the last day of the campaign.
"The guys are going through a difficult time, but it is a matter of rallying behind them. I don't think there is a problem," asserted Khumalo, who spoke for Chiefs before and after the game in Cape Town after Donald Khuse had been called "unconvincing" by the media.
"We just have now to worry about the next game. Losing three games is not good, but we must show a big heart and soldier on," he said.
Chiefs' worst league finish is ninth, in both 2002 and 2007.
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