Nabi expects ‘challenging’ tie against Hunt’s SSU

Many eyes are expected to be on SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs this weekend as the two PSL giants look ahead to their next Carling Knockout Cup assignment at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday night.

Kick-off is at 8pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Both Chiefs and SuperSport have been battling to find consistent form in the last couple of months and will head into their next game on the back of defeats in the Betway Premiership.  

While SuperSport suffered a 1-0 loss to Cape Town City at the Athlone Stadium on 28th September, Amakhosi recorded a 2-1 defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium on the same day.

As it stands, Chiefs occupy sixth position on the league table, with SuperSport sitting in 13th place after four matches played.  

SuperSport and Chiefs will now meet in their first Cup fixture since 2018, namely the Telkom Knockout, where the Glamour Boys recorded a 1-0 win in the quarterfinals.

WHAT WAS SAID

Looking ahead to the upcoming game, SSU mentor Gavin Hunt lamented his side’s recent injury crisis and hinted at the possibility of making tactical alterations as a result.

“It’s a problem for us obviously, we got few strikers out. We have not had much joy coming back and we won’t have (Bradley) Grobler returning for the weekend, so it is a major problem,” Hunt said.

“We just have to try and see ourselves through this period. There is nothing you can do about it. We have to find a way with the players we got. And that’s all we can do. We have to believe in what we have and try to find the way.

“If maybe we change the way we play, so be it. There is nothing else we can do and will try to get into the next window.”

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi mentioned that SuperSport are a quality outfit and expects a tough encounter against Hunt’s men.

“I am expecting a very challenging game. Speaking sincerely, SuperSport is a very good team,” Nabi said.

“I watched them during their MTN8 game against Orlando Pirates, and they almost won that game. They had the possibility to win, except for the refereeing mistake (because) they had a penalty that was not given to them.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

SuperSport United: Thulani Hlatshwayo – Fondly known as Tyson, Hlatshwayo has been a rock in the heart of defence for SSU this season.

As a player well-versed in facing Chiefs, Tyson will be expected to lead his team from the back this weekend.

Kaizer Chiefs: Gaston Sirino – Despite heading into his early 30s, Sirino is still widely regarded as one of the leading attacking midfielders in the PSL.

The South American star often showcased his quality this season and has the ability to produce the goods on a big stage, given his past experiences with Mamelodi Sundowns.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Last five Cup meetings:

2016/17 Nedbank Cup, Quarterfinal Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 SuperSport United(SuperSport won on penalties)

2017/18 MTN8, Quarterfinal: Kaizer Chiefs 0-1 SuperSport United

2018/19 MTN8, Semifinal, 1st leg: SuperSport United 2-2 Kaizer Chiefs

2018/19 MTN8, Semifinal, 2nd leg: Kaizer Chiefs 0-1 SuperSport United

2018/19 Telkom KO, Quarterfinal: Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 SuperSport United