Chiefs look to build momentum

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Dec 16, 2017. 16:00

Kaizer Chiefs will look to build momentum in the Absa Premiership when they host Ajax Cape Town at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 16 December 2017, kick-off at 20h15.

Chiefs ended a five-match winless streak by defeating Platinum Stars 1-0 in Rustenburg on December 9. The match saw the Soweto side score just a second goal in their last six league outings, but at least their defence is solid: they have kept four clean sheets in the same sequence.

The Amakhosi are still looking for their first home win this season, having recorded four draws and two defeats from six turns as hosts. Their last home match was a 1-1 draw against Free State Stars last month.

Ajax broke a four-match winless streak when they defeated Chippa United 1-0 on December 9. It was the Cape side’s third victory this season and a first outside of their home city, as a lack of suitable venues meant the match was hosted at the Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg.

The Urban Warriors have yet to claim a win in official away matches this season, recording two draws and five defeats. Their last away match was also at the Bidvest Stadium, as they held league champions Wits to a goalless draw earlier this month.

In head-to-head stats, Chiefs and Ajax have met in 36 league matches since 1999/2000. The Amakhosi have 15 wins compared to nine for the Urban Warriors, while 12 matches have been drawn. The Soweto giants have won 11 of 18 home league matches in the rivalry, suffering just two defeats in the process.

Last season Chiefs took four points off Ajax, winning 1-0 at home in the first half of the campaign, followed by a 1-1 draw in the return game in Cape Town. The Amakhosi are unbeaten in their last seven league meetings with Ajax and have conceded just two goals in the sequence.

Chiefs’ line-up from their 1-0 win over Stars on December 9: Khune, Ngezana, Zulu, Hadebe, Cardoso, Katsande, Jayiya, (Tshabalala 56’), Maluleka, Paez (Meyiwa 78’), Molangoane, Zuma (Parker 56’).

Ajax’s line-up from their 1-0 win over Chippa on December 9: February, Kammies, Nhlapo, Booysen, Lebusa, Mdabuka, Margeman (Isaacs 89’), Pietersen (Sait 79’), Mosadi, Morris, Mzwakali (George 71’).