After a disappointing loss to Chippa United in their most recent DStv Premiership tie, Kaizer Chiefs will now host TS Galaxy at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm (SA, GMT+2)
The loss to the Chilli Boys stunted Chiefs' progress momentarily, given their three-match winning streak prior to their 2-1 defeat at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Before dropping points against Chippa, Amakhosi gathered momentum in consecutive league victories against SuperSport United, Swallows FC and Stellenbosch FC.
Chiefs currently occupy fourth spot on the DStv Premiership log, amassing a total of 17 points after 11 games played. Reflecting on Chiefs' defeat against Chippa United, Arthur Zwane mentioned that he felt disappointed at his side’s momentum being broken, given that they had controlled the tempo of the game.
“I am more than just disappointed. In terms of the results, yes, I think this could have been a very good present for the chairman, especially playing at home,” Zwane said.
“We were on a roll in terms of not losing games at home. That’s another thing that makes me disappointed.
“We could have easily given the chairman a good present. I hate to lose, especially games like these where at some point we had control of the game.”
While Zwane laments Chiefs’ recent loss to Chippa, TS Galaxy are winless in their last seven DStv Premiership encounters.
The Chilli Boys head into the tie on the back of a 0-0 draw against Swallows FC at the Mbombela Stadium and are currently in 11th position on the log.
Galaxy’s record in the last five matches does not make for a good reading either as they have picked up three defeats and two stalemates during this time.
Speaking ahead of the tie, former Chiefs star Bernard Parker said that he is excited at the prospect of facing his old club and hopes that he will receive a warm reception at the stadium.
"I hope I receive a warm reception and a welcome back," Parker mentioned.
"I hope to get that because of what I've done there; I've done a lot in the past 11 years and I am anticipating a welcoming feeling. The feeling hasn't sunk in yet.
"I'm sure it will sink in once I put foot [on] the FNB Stadium. It's a feeling that I'm feeling for the first time and I don't know how to describe this feeling.
"I don't know how I will be on the day, but I'm looking forward to it and I hope on the day it will be a warm feeling."
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Kaizer Chiefs:
Keagan Dolly:
In looking to bounce back, Dolly’s experience as a senior player could prove to be vital. As Zwane continues to search for answers during their revolution, Dolly remains a constant figure in his first team set-up and will be counted on as one of the creators in chief from an attacking point of view.
Yusuf Maart:Much like Dolly, Maart has been a regular for Chiefs this season. As the glue in the middle of the park, Maart will come up against a TS Galaxy outfit that often play through the middle and he could be in for a busy evening.
TS Galaxy:
Bernard Parker:Die Hond, as he is affectionately known, is currently one of Galaxy’s most experienced players. As an added bonus, Parker knows more about Chiefs than any of his fellow teammates, which could be a plus going into the tie. However, the former Glamour Boy is still a threat, particularly when looking to create goal-scoring chances from deeper positions.
Xola Mlambo: With Amakhosi expected to see most of the ball, Mlambo will be tasked to impose his personality on the tie from midfield. The former Orlando Pirates man is known for his technical skill on the ball and could be a tricky customer to deal with on his day.