As the DStv Premiership season heats up, the stage is set for a week of contrasting scenarios for Kaizer Chiefs, under the interim guidance of Cavin Johnson.
Johnson is preparing for his first two home games at the iconic FNB Stadium, promising football fans a thrilling roller-coaster ride of emotions.
On Wednesday, Chiefs will take on Cape Town Spurs in a crucial DStv Premiership showdown. However, the game will be played in eerie silence, as Chiefs were handed a spectator ban due to unruly fan behaviour. The recent incident involving missile-throwing at now-dismissed coach Molefi Ntseki marked the fourth such occurrence this season.
As part of their punishment, Chiefs will face Spurs without the roar of their passionate supporters echoing through the stadium.
But that’s just the beginning of a week filled with highs and lows. On Saturday, the FNB Stadium will once again come alive as Chiefs go head-to-head with arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the first top-flight Soweto Derby of the season. This fixture guarantees a capacity crowd and a charged atmosphere, making it a must-watch for all football enthusiasts.
Next Kaizer Chiefs Match!
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) November 6, 2023
🏆#DStvPrem
⚽️Kaizer Chiefs vs. Cape Town Spurs
👕First Team
🗓Wednesday 08 November 2023
🏟FNB Stadium
🕝19h30
📺SuperSport PSL
🎟🚫
📢No Fans Allowed!#Amakhosi4Life #Khosified pic.twitter.com/wuLTg7CWir
With a derby on the horizon, Chiefs must remain focused during their clash against Spurs. These midweek fixtures ahead of high-profile encounters have historically posed a challenge for Soweto’s giants, often leading to unexpected slip-ups.
Spurs, on the other hand, are coming off their first Premiership win of the season, ending an eight-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory over Orlando Pirates in Cape Town last week. This newfound momentum could make them a tricky opponent for Chiefs.
In the current league standings, Chiefs find themselves in 10th place after 10 games, amassing 11 points. In contrast, Cape Town Spurs are rooted to the bottom of the log with three points from nine games.
The key players to watch in the Chiefs camp are Pule Mmodi, who has notched up three league goals, and Edson Castillo, with two goals to his name. For Spurs, Therlo Moosa and Ashley Cupido have each contributed two goals to their cause.
The clash between Chiefs and Spurs is a rare encounter, with their last league meeting dating back to May 2018, when AmaKhosi secured a 2-1 victory. Their previous encounter in December 2017 saw Chiefs triumph 1-0 in a league fixture.
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 ‼️
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) October 31, 2023
Kaizer Chiefs have received a "𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗼𝘂𝘁" by the PSL, meaning their next home match against Cape Town Spurs on 8 November will be played without fans. pic.twitter.com/yOb0LfDCZo
Unfortunately for Chiefs, they face a significant setback in their preparation for the Spurs match. AmaKhosi will have to do without the services of key midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa, who is serving a suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. Mthethwa, who has become a vital component of Chiefs’ midfield this season, has featured in four matches before his one-match suspension.
Despite the challenges, CT Spurs’ technical director, Sean Connor, believes that playing behind closed doors could be an advantage. He emphasized that the absence of a vocal home crowd could create a unique dynamic. “You still got to beat the 11 people that they put out on the pitch,” Connor pointed out. Spurs have shown resilience and adaptability, even when facing adversity, and they’re confident they can make an impact in the game.
The clash between Chiefs and Spurs promises to be an intriguing test of character, with the eerie silence of the empty stadium creating an unusual backdrop for the action. Fans can expect drama, passion, and, of course, plenty of excitement as the DStv Premiership story unfolds this week.
