Out of all cup competitions, they have nothing but the league left to focus on, and Mamelodi Sundowns’ midweek victory over Orlando Pirates has brought them back into the title race.
Chiefs trail Pirates by eight points, but have two games in hand and face their bitter Soweto rivals on February 28. That will be a huge game in the context of their season, as defeat will likely leave them chasing second place.
Here is a look at five things from their league campaign so far, and what is to come.
Stout defence
Chiefs have conceded the fewest goals in the top flight, with only six let in during their 15 games. Pirates (7 in 17 games) and Sundowns (8 in 16 games) are the only other clubs in single figures.
They have, in fact, conceded no goals in their last four league games and just one in the previous seven, against Orbit College in a 4-1 win in early November. It has been a campaign built on a strong defensive unit.
They have yet to concede a single goal away from home (six matches).
Goals still lacking
Something Chiefs have battled with over several seasons is a lack of goals, and only 15 scored in 15 games tells its own story. Only Polokwane City (13 in 17 matches) have scored fewer among the teams in the top nine in the table.
Even Lamontville Golden Arrows (23 in 17 games) and TS Galaxy (22 in 18) are ahead of Chiefs in this regard. If they could marry a more potent attack with their excellent defence, it would transform this team, but it is much easier said than done.
Lots of travelling
Nine of Chiefs’ 15 games to date have been at home, which means they must still play nine on the road before the end of the campaign. That will mean many road trips, but the good news for fans is that they are unbeaten on the road, with four wins and two draws in six fixtures.
They are the only team yet to lose away. In fact, they have not lost on the road in almost a year, since a 2-1 defeat to Golden Arrows on March 29. Assuming their hosts play at their usual home venues, they must go to Bloemfontein, Richards Bay, Rustenburg, Polokwane (three times), Pretoria, Durban and the short trip to Orlando.
Unbeaten run
If you include the tail-end of last season, Chiefs have lost just one of their last 17 league games (W8 D8), which was a 3-1 home defeat to Sekhukhune United in September.
Since then, they have not lost any of their last nine league games (W4 D5), but too many draws are stifling their title charge. They will be particularly disappointed with 0-0 draws against Siwelele (home) and Chippa United (away).
Squad rotation
Only two players have been involved in every league game for Chiefs this season, and only one has played every minute. Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has not missed a second of their campaign and has kept 11 clean sheets in 15 matches, a remarkable record.
The other player to feature in every game is Mdu Shabalala, who has 12 starts and three substitute appearances. He has provided the most goal contributions in that time too, with three goals and two assists for a total of five.