Kaizer Chiefs will put their perfect start to the Betway Premiership season on the line when they host Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Amakhosi have won both of their opening league matches and sit at the top of the table with six points. However, their next opponents represent a significant step up in difficulty, with Sundowns arriving determined to return to winning ways after a challenging run of form.
The match will be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the weekend, with Chiefs hoping to maintain their early momentum and supporters wondering whether the home side can produce a surprise against one of South Africa’s leading teams.
Chiefs can draw confidence from their recent meetings with Sundowns. They have avoided defeat in their past three encounters with Masandawana, a record that will offer encouragement before Saturday’s contest.
Da Cruz considers midfield changes
Chiefs manager Fernando Da Cruz may take a more cautious approach against the quality of the visitors. Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Sphesihle Ndlovu and Lebohang Maboe are all in contention to start in midfield as Da Cruz considers how best to counter Sundowns.
Flavio Silva could return to the attack, while Langelihle Phiri and Wandile Duba are also competing for places in the starting line-up.
The predicted Kaizer Chiefs XI is:
Petersen; Solomons, Kwinika, Miguel, Frosler; Mthethwa, Ndlovu, Maboe; Duba, Phiri, Silva.
A victory would allow Chiefs to strengthen their grip on first place and preserve their 100% league record. A defeat, meanwhile, could cost them top spot, depending on the results elsewhere.
Da Cruz will also be seeking a response after Chiefs’ only loss of the season so far. That defeat came against Golden Arrows in the MTN8 last weekend, rather than in the league.
With home advantage and a strong start behind them, Chiefs will hope the atmosphere at FNB Stadium can help them claim another three points. Sundowns, however, will be aiming to halt their difficult spell and leave Johannesburg with a result that could change the early shape of the title race.
The fixture is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 15 August, with kick-off at 15:00. It will be shown live on SABC 1 and SuperSport 2.
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