Polokwane look to derail Chiefs' hopes

Polokwane City will face off with Kaizer Chiefs in an Absa Premiership match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3:30 pm CAT.

Rise and Shine are hoping to resume their league campaign with a win, having lost 1-0 to Maritzburg United away in their last competitive match in March 2020.

Polokwane find themselves in 14th spot on the league standings - level on points with 15th-placed AmaZulu FC, who are in the relegation zone.

Puleng Tlolane, the Polokwane striker, is concerned by their fitness levels, but he is hoping for a victory over league title contenders Chiefs.

"It’s something we can't run away from. Remember it’s been five months without playing competitive football," Tlolane said.

"So it’s going to be a little bit difficult. But we are professionals and we know how to handle such things.

"They want the league and obviously, they're going to come at us. On the other hand, we also want to survive. So, it’s going to be an interesting game and I hope we secure a win."

Meanwhile, Chiefs are looking to get their Absa Premiership title pursuit back on track having failed to win their last two league games, including their recent 1-1 draw with Bidvest Wits at home in midweek.

However, Amakhosi remain at the top of the league standings - four points above second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a game in hand.

Ernst Middendorp, the Chiefs head coach, is wary of Polokwane, who defeated them in the first-round league encounter earlier this season.

"It doesn't matter whether you play Wits, [Mamelodi] Sundowns, Baroka FC, Polokwane City or Chippa United," Middendorp said.

"It is a game with a different aspect, Polokwane wants to stay in the league and they will be more dangerous and more aggressive than what we've seen against Wits.

"It is not a situation where I'm expecting a different game or an easy one, there is no easy game until the end of the season."

KEY PLAYERS

POLOKWANE CITY

Salulani Phiri: The Zambian international has been influential for Rise and Shine this season having netted three goals from midfield. Phiri will be hoping to play a key role in helping Polokwane defeat Chiefs.

Charlton Mashumba: The Zimbabwean marksman is Polokwane's top goalscorer in the league this season having netted six goals. Mashumba will be looking to add to his tally and help his side complete a double over Amakhosi.

KAIZER CHIEFS

Lebogang Manyama: The attacking midfielder registered his ninth assist of the season against Wits which is the most in the league. Manyama has the ability to single-handedly inspire Chiefs to win over Polokwane.

Samir Nurkovic: The Serbian marksman is enjoying a dream debut season in the Absa Premiership having netted his 12th goal against Wits. Nurkovic will be keen to score again and help Amakhosi extend their lead atop the league log.