Khumalo fires warning as he insists Chiefs trip to Bloem will be their 'toughest game'

Kaizer Chiefs coach Vela Khumalo remained cautious ahead of facing Marumo Gallants as he expects a tough fight from the Bloemfontein-based side.

Chiefs have had a good start in the DStv Diski Challenge.

Amakhosi have leapfrogged defending champions Stellenbosch FC in the League table and are currently first with 30 points, gathered from 13 games.

In contrast, Gallants have not registered a win this season in 13 outings. They are languishing at the bottom of the Diski Challenge table with three points.

Despite the gulf in quality between Chiefs and Gallants, Khumalo believes that an arduous challenge awaits them at 10am on Saturday at CUT Stadium.

Khumalo warned his players that Saturday's away fixture could be one of the most taxing games they play in the current season.

"This is a critical fixture, probably would be the toughest game of the season. We are so cautious as we head to this fixture," said Khumalo.

"The boys want to show their pedigree and get result consistency to see how long we stay at the top. You know being Kaizer Chiefs, at the top of the table now, everyone want a good results against us. But we cannot allow them to get their first win of the season against us."

As much as Khumalo is happy with their nine-match unbeaten run, the mentor feels they can still do better defensive.

"We have been scoring and we are happy with that, but we are also conceding a lot. We just need to improve on that. The boys have set their goal, winning the league and to achieve that goal we have to shut the back door."

A victory for Chiefs will see them enjoying another weekend at the top of the table.

In other matches, Mamelodi Sundowns are looking at maintaining their fine form when they travel to Kanyamazane Stadium to face TS Galaxy.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Saturday, 18 January

Marumo Gallants v Kaizer Chiefs, CUT Stadium 10:00

Orlando Pirates v Polokwane City, Isak Steyl Stadium 10:00

TS Galaxy v Mamelodi Sundowns, Kanyamazane Stadium 12:00

Sunday, 19 January

Cape Town City FC v SuperSport United, Malta Park 10:00

Golden Arrows v Chippa United, Sugar Ray Xulu 10:00

Sekhukhune United v Magesi FC, Isak Steyl Stadium 10:00

Richards Bay v AmaZulu FC, Chatsworth Stadium 12:00