Amakhosi out to bounce back from ‘disaster result’

Kaizer Chiefs will be out to keep themselves in Absa Premiership title contention when they host Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, 2 September.

Kick-off is at 18:00 CAT.

Chiefs suffered a second successive loss when they were beaten 1-0 by Bidvest Wits at the FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon, a result which could have effectively ended their title hopes, had rivals Mamelodi Sundowns not suffered a defeat of their own later the same day.

Instead, the Soweto giants remain top of the log, though only on goal difference ahead of the Brazilians. The Amakhosi desperately need to get their groove back after what coach Ernst Middendorp described as a “disaster result” and he is hoping his players keep their heads up and keep fighting – especially for this midweek clash against the Chilli Boys.

"But we have to, two games to go of course we have to hope something will come out of the games,” said the German tactician. “I personally hope we can put the players into the right mentality towards the next game, in particular, Chippa on the second we will try again, we will go again all out, try to score, try to win this game.”

Chippa, meanwhile, extended their unbeaten run in the league to three matches, with a last-gasp equaliser from Thokozani Sekotlong securing a 1-1 draw at Stellenbosch last Friday, 28 August. With both the chance of falling back into relegation trouble and cracking the top eight looking unlikely, the Chilli Boys seemingly have little to motivate them.

However, coach Lehlohonolo Seema knows his team is capable of more than they have shown since the restart and hopes that the challenge of playing Chiefs will inspire them to lift their performance level.

“Credit must go to the guys, but we are still far from playing the way we want to play,” said Seema. “From the first game against Cape Town City, coming up to this [1-1 draw with Stellenbosch] there were a lot of improvements you can see.

“One thing that is good for these guys – they are fighters. If you fight for the last period of these games that are left, you can get a point, or you can even get maximum points. We still have a long way to go, but we will work hard so we can come next season and play even better football.”

In head-to-head stats, Chippa and Chiefs have met in 13 league matches since 2012-13. The Amakhosi have claimed six wins compared to five for the Chilli Boys, while two matches have been drawn. The Soweto side has won three of their six home league matches in the rivalry, suffering two defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in November 2019, Chiefs claimed a 2-0 away win thanks to a brace from Dumisani Zuma. The result broke a run of four unbeaten games in the rivalry for Chippa.

KEY PLAYERS: KAIZER CHIEFS

Samir Nurkovic – After missing a sitter against Bidvest Wits, the Serbian striker will be determined to make amends against Chippa and achieve two aims: taking Chiefs closer to the title and boosting his own hopes of winning the ‘Golden Boot’.

Bruce Bvuma – After replacing the injured Daniel Akpeyi against Wits, the 25-year-old goalkeeper could well be the number one choice for this midweek clash against Chippa. Keeping out the likes of Augustine Kwem will be his challenge against the Chilli Boys.

KEY PLAYERS: CHIPPA UNITED

Thokozani Sekotlong – The former Mamelodi Sundowns man netted a key equaliser against Stellenbosch and will be hoping to have another opportunity when Chippa face Chiefs at the Orlando Stadium in this key midweek battle.

Frederic Nsabiyumva – Not only an excellent defender, Frederic Nsabiyumva will offer a potent threat in attack with his aerial ability, while his one-on-one battle with Chiefs striker Samir Nurkovic could go a long way in deciding this game.