Amakhosi head coach Nasreddine Nabi knows the monumental task he and his expansive technical face. The mission is clear: reinvigorate the sleeping giant.
A new dawn
Chiefs’ jet has been idling for nearly a decade now, and Nabi is the trusted pilot to launch Amakhosi to the great heights they’ve once enjoyed.
The Phefeni Glamour Boys had an extended pre-season compared to their closest rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played competitive football since early August.
Chiefs missed out on this season’s MTN8 football while Masandawana and the Buccaneers reached the semi-finals and finals respectively.
The revamped Chiefs will set foot on the pitch at the Free State Stadium against Marumo Gallants, who are re-launching after the purchase of Moroka Swallows.
Gallants’ president Abram Sello is optimistic about his club’s rebirth as they have relocated to Free State, with the hope of enjoying huge backing from the known-to-be passionate supporters in that region of the country.
With coach Dan ‘Dance’ Malesela back in the big time, Gallants are expected to be an entertaining side as the former Chippa United mentor is an admirer of eye-catching football.
Recent performances
Amakhosi have played various friendlies during off season where the results were a mixed bag of good and underwhelming performances.
While their tour in Turkey was kept under wraps as friendlies were staged behind closed doors – Chiefs played Young Africans at the same Free State Stadium, losing 4-0 to Nabi’s former side.
Amakhosi are understood to have played a number of local friendlies, which were all staged behind closed doors.
On the other hand, Gallants also played their friendly games away from the view of the public as they had to deal with a lot of player movements after inheriting some players from The Dube Birds.
How to watch
The match will be broadcast live on SABC 1, pay television SuperSport channel 202, and will also be aired on various SABC radio stations.
Players to watch
Chiefs signed a host of players in their rebuilding phase, while some who have been with the club may feel they have a point to prove. Sundowns discard Gaston Sirino is looking to revive his career after an underwhelming period in his final term at Chloorkop.
Donning the No.10 for Amakhosi, Sirino is tipped to be a star player while Njabulo Blom, who re-joined Chiefs from St. Louis City SC on a short-term loan is aiming to hit top form to attract the attention of Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos.
Inacio Miguel told Chiefs fans that he would do the talking on the pitch. He is likely to be handed his debut in a potential central defensive partnering with Given Msimango.
Striker Ranga Chivaviro, who is entering the last year of his contract, needs to hit the ground running if he is to be the club’s main man to lead the front line.
Betting odds
Chiefs are optimistic to start the season on a high, which is an intention shared by their opponents. Gallants are making their top-flight return and will look to steer far from the danger zone from the onset. You can place your bet on the game here.
34/10 Marumo Gallants | 21/10 | Kaizer Chiefs 9/10
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