Chiefs seeking fourth league win on the spin

Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to continue their resurgence in the DStv Premiership when they host Chippa United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.

Kick-off is at 5.30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

The Glamour Boys got off to a rocky start after losing three of their opening five games, but a 3-1 success over Stellenbosch in Cape Town on Sunday extended their unbeaten run to five matches.

Arthur Zwane's side trail league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by just two points in fourth place, although they have played one game more, with the Brazilians involved in the CAF Champions League.

Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana netted a hat-trick from the penalty spot against the Maroons to go level with Sundowns star Peter Shalulile on six goals at the top of the scoring charts.

Zwane paid tribute to Bimenyimana for his movement and link-up play as it allows players like Ashley Du Preez to exploits the spaces in-between the defenders.

"You saw today he keeps it simple as a striker. He just wants to play the ball out wide, protect the ball, play those one-twos," Zwane said of the Burundian.

"He's also a skilful player. He's not just a tall boy. And he's quick for his structure. We've always wanted a player who can release players like Ash [Ashley du Preez].

"He freed Ash so that the ball-carrier at that time could pick one of the two of them. That's why Ashley was free twice, because Caleb will attract defenders. He's also clever on the ball. He's not just a striker waiting for the crosses."

The Chilli Boys were last in competitive action a month ago when they beat Marumo Gallants 1-0 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to make it back-to-back wins in the league.

Morgan Mammila has assumed first-team responsibilities after Daine Klate was relieved of his duties as head coach in the wake of the 1-0 defeat to Masandawana on September 7.

Mammila clarified his role at the club after being asked whether he is serving as their technical director or caretaker coach.

"I am the coach of the team," he declared. "One thing about me is that I know the players and I know what they want. I give them what they want and they give me what I want in return.

"Being a coach doesn't mean anything to me. It's how you treat the players and whether you are fair towards the players and that is very important to me."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kaizer Chiefs

Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana:The 24-year-old Burundian striker has hit the ground running at Chiefs, scoring six goals in his first five league matches. Bimenyimana wrote his name into the history books when he became the first player to score three penalties in one top-flight game in South Africa.

Ashley Du Preez: The 25-year-old striker looked lively against his former employers and should have scored a brace, but two poor touches inside the box led to easy saves from Sage Stephens. Du Preez has now gone seven league games without a goal since opening his account in the 3-0 win over Maritzburg United on August 9.

Chippa United

Siphelele Luthuli: The 27-year-old midfielder had a fine game against Gallants, setting up Ronaldo Maarman for the winner to register his third assist of the season. Luthuli should have gotten on the scoresheet himself, but missed the target on three occasions from inside the box to remain without a goal after eight league appearances.

Ronaldo Maarman: The 22-year-old midfielder will be pushing for his second start of the campaign after impressing off the bench in the second half against Bahlabane Ba Ntwa. Maarman could have had a hat-trick, but hit the crossbar from a free-kick before being denied by a great save from the goalkeeper at point-blank range.