One of the biggest DStv Premiership fixtures of the season takes to FNB Stadium when log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns verse the uber-popular Soweto giant, Kaizer Chiefs. Can AmaKhosi trip up Masandawana as they run away with the league?
To Win Match
Kaizer Chiefs 34/10 | Draw 21/10 | Mamelodi Sundowns 9/10
Kaizer Chiefs
The year looked hopeful prior to the kick of a football for Kaizer Chiefs this season. New manager, clean out of old players, and finally the acquisitions of promising players. The hope has quickly turned into anger, and fans are frustrated with fluctuating performances.
Coach Arthur Zwane came with a lot of promise and backing, but the results have not gone in his favour. Now, the former AmaKhosi player is in the hot seat after a tough loss to AmaZulu down in Durban. Two goals from set pieces (corner), proper stuff up from Edmilson Dove and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, and finally a nail in the coffin with an incisive counterattack from the opposition.
While the result was harsh, coach Zwane said despite being beaten 4-0 by AmaZulu FC in the league encounter on Friday night he does not feel their performance was that bad stating, “I think if you look at the game, we played last week, and you look at the way we played today. We were in control of the game, obviously, when we were chasing the game, we lost a little bit of structure, but we still looked like scoring at any given time.”
The key to Kaizer Chiefs’ success will be in the midfield with Yusuf Maart and Samkelo Zwane, but more importantly, finishing in the final third.
Predicted Line-up: Khune; Frosler, Kwinika, Mathoho, Dove; Maart, Zwane; Du Preez, Ngcobo, Solomons; Bimenyimana
Mamelodi Sundowns
Nobody doubted that Mamelodi Sundowns would dominate the DStv Premiership for another season. We just all hoped that it would be more competitive than what it currently is.
Rulani Mokwena has finally gotten his sole managerial role at the best club in the land and has taken it in his stride. The former Pirates manager and co-coach is the first coach in PSL history to win their first seven league games in charge at a top-flight club.
Sundowns have won 11 league games in a row, matching the best-ever winning streak in PSL top-flight football set between January – April 2007 by Gordon Igesund’s Sundowns. The Yellow Nation will be holding their breath to earn a new record when they face Kaizer Chiefs.
One thing about Sundowns this season is they do not rely on one player for goals as seven different players have contributed to their last nine goals.
The hope for the Tshwane-based side is to garner a big enough lead before the CAF Champions league commences, and they are on the edge of such. Should they defeat Chiefs, a 22-point gap will be realized between the two sides.
Predicted Line-up: Williams; Mudau, Kekena, Mvala, Modiba; Allende, Mokoena, Maema; Mailula, Zwane, Domingo.
Verdict: Team Win (9/10)
You cannot right off Kazier Chiefs, they will show Mamelodi Sundowns the respect they deserve. If Arthur can ensure better finishing with the moments they pick to attack, it will be an interesting game. However, Sundowns will severely limit chances through possession and patient build-up through the phases. Sundowns have value and should be backed in all multiples.
