Chiefs out to stretch their lead

Kaizer Chiefs have the opportunity to further stretch their lead at the top of the Absa Premiership when they host Cape Town City at FNB Stadium on the afternoon of Sunday 12 January 2020.

Kick-off is at 3.30pm CAT.

Chiefs claimed a ninth win from their last 11 league matches when they crushed Highlands Park 3-0 in midweek, with goals from Eric Mathoho and Leonardo Castro (two). The victory marked the Soweto club’s 50th birthday and extended their lead to six points. The Amakhosi have claimed 16 points from seven home matches this season.

In addition, the absence of nearest chasers Mamelodi Sundowns from domestic competition this weekend means Chiefs could be nine points clear by the time the Brazilians strap in to face their next league match away to Orlando Pirates next midweek.

“[The players] don't want to disappoint anybody and you see the tension already going to the camp and I must say under these circumstances, a huge compliment to each and everybody who has been on the field,” said coach Ernst Middendorp.

He added, “We have a new game against Cape Town City on Sunday and we will need to refocus and ensure that we keep this winning momentum.”

City come into the match on the back of a 2-2 draw at home to AmaZulu on January 8, with the Cape side giving up a two-goal lead to share the spoils for the eighth time this season. The Citizens have claimed just five points from eight away matches thus far.

City sit in a lowly 11th place, just two points above the relegation zone, and coach Jan Olde Riekerink believes that time and good results will see the team gain a position which more clearly reflects the talent in their squad: “It has all to do with confidence. We shouldn’t be in this position.”

In head-to-head stats, City and Chiefs have met in seven league matches since 2016/17. The Amakhosi have claimed four wins compared to two for the Citizens, while one game has been drawn. The Soweto side has recorded one win, one draw and one defeat from their three matches as hosts in the rivalry.

When the teams et earlier this season, at Newlands Stadium in August 2019, Chiefs claimed a 2-1 away win thanks to goals from Daniel Cardoso and Kearyn Baccus. The teams’ last five league meetings have produced four away wins.

STAR PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kaizer Chiefs

Leonardo Castro – The striker returned to form with a bang in midweek, scoring two second-half goals to see Chiefs close out an important victory. Castro will be eager to back up that performance with another strong showing against Cape Town City.

George Maluleka – The elegant midfielder put in a great showing against Highlands Park, controlling the middle of the pitch and even providing an assist for Castro’s second goal. If he can put in a repeat performance, Chiefs will boss the game against the Citizens.

Cape Town City

Kermit Erasmus – The diminutive striker has been off the boil for the past couple of months, but the challenge of facing Kaizer Chiefs – a team he scored against in the first half of the season – could spark him back to life. Erasmus’ pace and movement could trouble the Amakhosi’s centre-backs.

Roland Putsche – A goal-scoring showing in midweek has revived Roland Putsche’s season and City will need him to be at his energetic best when they head to Soweto on Sunday to take on the league leaders.