Mamelodi Sundowns have been tipped to beat Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday, despite the hosts’ perfect start to the Betway Premiership season.
Former Chiefs and Orlando Pirates players Junior Khanye and Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi both believe the defending champions have enough quality to overcome Amakhosi in one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the weekend.
Chiefs sit at the top of the league standings after winning their opening two matches. However, Khanye, who previously played for the club, says he has not been convinced by what he has seen from the team under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz.
Speaking on iDiski TV, the former Chiefs midfielder questioned whether Da Cruz’s instructions were being communicated clearly to the players, suggesting the language barrier could be affecting the team’s organisation.
“I don’t think there’s coordination between the players and the coach. He needs an interpreter to translate. There are certain instructions that have to be given immediately,” Khanye said.
He also expressed concern about Chiefs’ defensive selections and the lack of movement in midfield.
“The team is not stable. You see Thabo Moloisane getting benched by Zitha Kwinika. The combination of Kwinika and Miguel Inacio has not been tested. Their midfield is very static, there’s no movement.”
Khanye was also critical of Sundowns, despite acknowledging the strength and quality available to head coach Miguel Cardoso.
He suggested that Cardoso’s tactical experimentation had disrupted the champions’ performances, particularly after their latest success.
“Since winning the star, his head has gotten bigger. He can’t be experimenting and making six changes,” he said.
Even with those reservations, Khanye believes Sundowns remain the stronger side and will have too much for Chiefs to handle.
“In terms of quality, Sundowns are ahead. It might be 2-0 or 2-1, but Sundowns will win,” he added.
Vilakazi, a former Pirates captain, also backed Sundowns but said Chiefs would need to approach the match differently if they were to take anything from it.
He urged Da Cruz to consult former Chiefs coaches who had previously managed to frustrate Sundowns, particularly through a physical style and a disciplined low defensive block.
“Fernando Da Cruz needs to call ex-Kaizer Chiefs coaches and ask them about the tactics they used to draw with Sundowns in the last game, in terms of their physicality and low block,” Vilakazi said.
Vilakazi believes Chiefs must remain physically competitive and well organised without the ball. However, he ultimately expects Sundowns to claim all three points and predicted a 2-0 victory for Masandawana.
The match at FNB Stadium will see league leaders Chiefs attempt to maintain their winning start against a Sundowns side regarded by both former players as the benchmark for quality in the Betway Premiership.
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