Chiefs target return to winning form

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Nov 25, 2017. 13:30

Kaizer Chiefs will look for a return to winning form in the Absa Premiership when they host Free State Stars at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 25 November 2017, kick-off at 18h00.

Chiefs played to a third successive draw when they were held 0-0 at AmaZulu on November 22. The Soweto side has managed just three wins so far this season and will need to accumulate points at a quicker rate if they are to challenge for top honours.

The Amakhosi are still in search of their first home win in 2017/18, having claimed just three points from five turns as hosts. Their last home game was a goalless draw against arch rivals Orlando Pirates last month.

Stars have gone three league matches without a win after they were held 1-1 at home by Chippa United on November 22. The Free State side last claimed a three-pointer when they beat Ajax Cape Town 2-0 at home in mid-October.

Ea Lla Koto have claimed six points from five away matches so far this season, though their last match on the road was a 1-0 defeat at Cape Town City prior to the last international break.

In head-to-head stats, Chiefs and Stars have met in 35 league matches since 1996. The Amakhosi have claimed 23 wins compared to just three for Ea Lla Koto, while nine matches have been drawn. The Soweto side has claimed 13 wins and suffered just one defeat in their 18 home matches against the Free State side.

Last season Chiefs claimed a league ‘double’ over Stars, winning 2-0 in the Free State in the first half of the campaign and 3-1 in the return game in Soweto. The Amakhosi have not lost a league match against Ea Lla Koto since the first half of the 2010/11 season.

Chiefs’ line-up from their 0-0 draw with AmaZulu on November 22: Khune, Cardoso, Hadebe, Ngezana, Zulu, Katsande, Maluleka, Ekstein (Tshabalala 66'), Molangoane, Páez (Zuma 83'), Parker (Jayiya 88').

Stars’ line-up from their 1-1 draw with Chippa on November 22: Sangare, Mobbie, Keita, Mbhele, Phungwayo, Masehe, Mokhuoane, Jantjie, Maphakisa, Dlamini, Anas.