Desh Parthab takes a look a five players you should keep an eye on in this weekend’s DStv Premiership games including a red-hot Burundian centre-forward and an improving Namibian goalkeeper.
If you haven’t heard of him before, you’ve definitely heard of him now! Arthur Zwane may have found the final piece to his puzzle, in Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana.
The Burundi international stole the show with his hat-trick of penalties last time out. Kaizer Chiefs have won three DStv Premiership fixtures on the trot and Bimenyimana has netted in each outing.
It was not a fairytale return for Kaitano Tembo to SuperSport United. The Zimbabwean tactician was the previous manager of Matsatsantsa and made the trek to the Lucas Moripe Stadium armed with his Sekhukhune charges.
Unfortunately for Babina Noko, they were dispatched 3-1 and are currently separated from the relegation zone by a single point.
Romain Folz will begin his tenure as AmaZulu head coach with a trip to Orlando Stadium. A single point from the previous 15 on offer was enough for Usuthu owner and CEO, Sandile Zungu to act swiftly. The new boss will fancy his chances against a Pirates team who have blanked in four of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
Furthermore, the Bucs played against 10 men for 45 minutes last time out, but failed to break the deadlock. Jose Riviero’s men had a goal ruled out (for offside) before Richards Bay’s Mpho Mathebula pulled off a goal-line clearance to ensure The Natal Rich Boyz left Orlando Stadium with a point.
Let’s look ahead to this weekend!
Lloyd Kazapu steps up for Chippa
Following the departure of Sipho Chaine to Orlando Pirates, Chippa shot-stopper Lloyd Kazapu has been thrust into the limelight. Following a dismal start to the season, which saw them take just five points from their opening seven league fixtures, there has been a swing in the tide and Kazapu has had a hand in that. The Namibian has registered three clean sheets across his previous six home league appearances and will need to replicate that on his travels if he is to help Chippa continue their climb up the DStv Premiership standings.
Loydt Kazapua made his debut against Marumo Gallants on the 26 February 2022.
— Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC) September 17, 2022
Check at this quick thinking and release for a debutant. 👌🏽#PrideOfEasternCape #AyeyeChilliBoysAyeye🌶🌶🌶 pic.twitter.com/yBJQDo11AJ
Ndwandwe key to Arrows’ change in fortunes
With just one defeat across their previous seven league outings, it’s no wonder Golden Arrows occupy a top-half spot. The KZN outfit has no fewer than three players who have registered three or more goal involvements in the league. Velemseni Ndwandwe has been in the thick of the action in recent times. Across his previous three appearances for the club, Ndwandwe has attempted six shots and created three chances, bagging two assists. The dangerman was fouled nine times during that period – the man is too hot to handle at the moment!
⚽️ 𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 ⚽️
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) September 3, 2022
Golden Arrows midfielder Velemseni Ndwandwe walked away with the Man of the Match award in their #DStvPrem match against Chippa United.#SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/oE37cIePrm
Karim to end Maritzburg’s away woes?
Maritzburg United are yet to score a league goal on their travels this season. Despite this, Kimvuidi Karim is my pick of the lot to end the drought. Across the club’s previous three away league appearances, Karim has attempted four shots and created Four chances. The Team of Choice are currently rooted to the foot of the table with a 2-3-4 record but have a game in hand.
Karim Kimvuidi of Maritzburg United bagged his first #DStvPrem man of the match award against Swallows FC #ThamiSoccer pic.twitter.com/6NkHBjJ5Ws
— ThamiSoccer (@ThamiSoccer) August 12, 2022
Bimenyimana looks the real deal
Bimenyimana has been a revelation for Chiefs. Whilst the forward has stolen the headlines, don’t sleep on Katlego Sekgota. The 25-year-old has provided an attacking return this season and could add to his tally this weekend. Across his previous three league appearances, Sekgota has attempted five shots and created three chances. Furthermore, he was fouled seven times in that spell so keep an eye out for him. One thing is for sure, Arthur Zwane will have a headache, given that his entire frontline is back in training and available for selection.
Caleb Bimenyimana netted a hattrick of penalties – writing himself into the history books in the process as the first player to achieve the feat since the inception of the Premier Soccer League in 1996-97
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 11, 2022
Watch Match Highlighthttps://t.co/sj4kCgtKvi pic.twitter.com/NuCTP5vyHu
Mncube finding form at Sekhukhune
Vusimuzi Mncube has been involved in two goals across his previous three league outings. The 29-year-old set up the first against Stellenbosch, before netting the second against Pirates to ensure the 3 points went the way of Sekhukhune United. He has attempted five shots and created three chances, during his previous three league appearances. Furthermore, he was fouled 11 times in that spell, so keep an eye out for him.
#DStvPrem Goal of the month for February and March 2022 nominees are Keegan Ritchie, Goodman Mosele, Reeve Frosler, Khuliso Mudau, Haashim Domingo, Lyle Lakay, Friday Samu, Khanyisa Mayo, Vusimuzi Mncube and Knox Mutizwa. #ThamiSoccer pic.twitter.com/9431A8AfRb
— ThamiSoccer (@ThamiSoccer) March 24, 2022
