“It is a process. They had two good results in the last two games against Mamelodi Sundowns and Free State Stars. They drew against AmaZulu in the last game but I think they have improved a lot and the fans can expect more from this group of players in 2012.

“The players have come of age. George Lebese has shown his potential and is coming in nicely. Tinashe (Nengomasha) has been brilliant once more in the middle of the park. He struggled a little bit when he came back but he is showing his class again. Sometimes you can see VV asking for that from players – the experience to come and Tinashe continues to provide that,” said Bartlett.

Bartlett, the only player to score a brace in the World Cup for South Africa when he netted a brace against Saudi Arabia in 1998, has warned that Chiefs would need to finish their chances if they are to stand up and counted in May.

“Scoring is a big problem not only for Chiefs but nationwide. In the national team it is a problem and in the PSL seems to be a challenge. Practise makes perfect and the guys just need to knuckle down. The midfielders need also to come on board.

“If you want a championship winning team, midfielders have to chip in with goals. I feel that Chiefs have the talent and they need to finish the chances they are creating and when they do they will be unstoppable,” he said.