Arrows out to hand Chiefs' Johnson losing start

Golden Arrows will square off Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday's DStv Premiership match at Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Kick-off is 3:30 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Abafana Bes'thende claimed a 3-1 win over Cape Town City in the Carling Knockout last weekend and the victory extended their unbeaten run to six matches across all competitions.

Arrows are placed third on the DStv Premiership standings - two points behind second-placed SuperSport United and a win over Chiefs will see the KwaZulu-Natal side reclaim the second spot.

Meanwhile, Chiefs succumbed to a 1-0 loss to AmaZulu FC in the Carling Knockout last weekend. Amakhosi have won just once in their last seven competitive matches which has led to Molefi Ntseki's dismissal and Cavin Johnson is now the interim coach.

Amakhosi are placed eighth on the DStv Premiership standings - three points behind fourth-placed Moroka Swallows and a win over Arrows would consolidate the Soweto giants' position in the top eight.

TEAM NEWS

Thabani Zuke continues to work on his fitness as the Arrows star makes his return from a long-term injury that has seen him fail to make a single appearance in the current season.

Chiefs, on the other hand, could be without Brandon Petersen, Sifiso Hlanti and Ashley du Preez who have been nursing injuries, while new signing Luke Fleurs could make his Amakhosi debut.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Golden Arrows winger Tebogo Tlolane:

“We know there is pressure in the game. We have spoken about it. We just want to play the game that we know to play and we are playing Chiefs and there is that vibe,” Tlolane said.

“But it’s all about enjoying ourselves. I’ve faced them many times and this is an opportunity to play against them. There are no different preparations. They can turn up a different team. So we appreciate the team that they are and we respect them.

"But we are fully focused on us and our preparations for the game. “When Chiefs come to town, you know you will get packed stadiums, but it’s another opportunity for us to get three points, that’s how we approach it.”

Kaizer Chiefs vice-captain Keagan Dolly:

“They are confident at the moment. I’m sure they will be thinking we are down and out going into this game," Dolly said.

"But I feel it is for us to show them that we are Kaizer Chiefs and prove to them what we are made of. We will go there with the mindset of getting nothing less than the three points, and I believe we have the capability to do that.

“However, we will not underestimate them, we know we will have to work hard, but we are prepared to do what it takes.”

Golden Arrows: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nduduzo Sibiya: The influential attacking midfielder grabbed a goal and an assist in Arrows' win over Cape Town City, and he will be looking to replicate the same form against Chiefs.

Knox Mutizwa: Arrows' record goalscorer came off the bench to score the team's third and final goal against City. Mutizwa will be confident of scoring when he faces Chiefs' leaky defence.

Kaizer Chiefs: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Keagan Dolly: The experienced attacker was named Man of the Match after Chiefs' match against AmaZulu and he has the ability to single-handedly inspire Amakhosi to a win over Arrows.

Pule Mmodi: The ex-Arrows star, who is Chiefs' top scorer in the league with three goals, will be facing his former club for the first time. Mmodi will be eager to haunt Arrows by inspiring Amakhosi to a win.

Head-to-Head

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2018/19 Arrows 2-1 Chiefs Mzava 2 (2 pens); Castro

2018/19 Chiefs 1-1 Arrows Moleko; Sibiya

2019/20 Chiefs 2-0 Arrows Cardoso (pen), Sibisi (og)

2019/20 Arrows 0-1 Chiefs Manyama

2020/21 Arrows 2-2 Chiefs Conco (pen), Sibiya; Castro 2

2020/21 Chiefs 3-2 Arrows Manyama (3); M. Gumede, Mathoho (og)

2021/22 Chiefs 0-1 Arrows Mutizwa

2021/22 Arrows 2-1 Chiefs Conco, Gumede; Billiat

2022/23 Arrows 0-2 Chiefs Bimenyimana, Edmilson