Kaizer Chiefs will be hoping to keep up with the pace set by Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership when they shake hands with Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 3pm (CAT, GMT+2).
CURRENT FORM
As it stands, Chiefs currently occupy third on the log after accumulating 11 points from their first five encounters. Amakhosi will head into their next game on the back of a hard-fought 3-2 win over Siwelele at the Dobsonville Stadium last weekend and they remain unbeaten in the league.
Their win over Siwelele was a well-received result, given that the club had recorded back-to-back draws with Sundowns and Richards Bay in the two fixtures prior. The Glamour Boys could make it two wins on the trot for the second time this season, after they commenced their campaign with consecutive triumphs over Kruger United and Sekhukhune United respectively.
Polokwane City, on the other hand, enter their next Betway Premiership assignment on a run of four games without a win, following their 2-1 victory over Richards Bay during matchday one.
Since then, Rise & Shine recorded three draws and one defeat; their most recent result was a 2-2 draw with Marumo Gallants, leaving them in 10th place with six points so far.
WHAT WAS SAID
Speaking after Chiefs’ win over Siwelele, Fernando Da Cruz called for a stronger sense of character in the upcoming games, while bemoaning his team’s apparent defensive issues and lack of ‘killer instinct’ up front.
“In the first half, we were very good in possession and we created a lot of chances but we didn’t have the killer instinct inside the box,” Da Cruz said.
“We scored our second goal, but directly afterwards, Siwelele scored their first. And we were worried after that and the defensive part was not good.
“The first step is to do our match analysis and correct the tactical side but it’s not only that. It also depends on the spirit and mentality of the players on the field,” he concluded.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Polokwane City: Bonginkosi Dlamini – After getting his name on the scoresheet against Marumo Gallants, Dlamini will no doubt head into the next game beaming with confidence. Given Chiefs’ frailties in defence, Dlamini could capitalise on any defensive mishap with his creativity in the final third.
Kaizer Chiefs: Faiz Abrahams – As a rising star at Naturena, Abrahams announced himself to the Chiefs faithful in stunning fashion with a well-taken free-kick goal against Siwelele. Expected to be utilised as an impact player, Abrahams is slowly winning the hearts of the Glamour Boys fans base.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Games: 20
Polokwane City wins: 4
Kaizer Chiefs wins: 8
Draws: 8