Chiefs look for return to winning form

Bernard Parker of Kaizer Chiefs challenged by Sammy Seabi of Polokwane City during the Absa Premiership 2017/18 football match between Polokwane City and Kaizer Chiefs at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane on 31 October 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Jan 12, 2018. 10:30

Kaizer Chiefs will look for a quick return to winning form in the Absa Premiership when they host Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on 13 January 2018, kick-off at 20h15.

Chiefs opened 2018 with a goalless draw away to SuperSport United on January 6. The Soweto side were chasing a third successive win after beating both Platinum Stars and Ajax Cape Town in their last two matches of 2017, but at least picked up a third straight clean sheet.

The Amakhosi have claimed just seven points from as many home matches this season, though the fact that they won their last match as hosts - 1-0 against Ajax on December 16 - suggests they will improve on that record through the remainder of the campaign.

Polokwane enjoyed a great start to the New Year as they defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 at home on January 6. Not only was it the Limpopo side’s first home victory of the 2017/18 season, it was also a second in succession after they ended off 2017 by winning 1-0 at Chippa United.

Rise and Shine have claimed 10 points from six away matches this season. Their recent form on the road is excellent, having claimed a 3-2 win at AmaZulu in mid-October, a 2-2 draw at Golden Arrows a few days later and the above-mentioned triumph in the Eastern Cape.

In head-to-head stats, Chiefs and Polokwane have met in nine league matches since 2013/14. The Amakhosi have claimed four wins compared to one for Rise and Shine, while four matches have been drawn. The Soweto side boasts an unbeaten home record in the rivalry, with three wins and a draw from four turns as hosts.

When the teams met earlier this season they played to a goalless draw in the Limpopo province on October 31. The result - which was the first 0-0 between the teams - means City have lost just one of their last five league clashes against Chiefs.

Chiefs’ line-up from their 0-0 draw with SuperSport on January 6: Khune, Cardoso, Hadebe, Ngezana, Ntiyantiya (Malope 82’), Molangoane, Katsande, Maluleka, Ekstein, Tshabalala (Moon 87’), Paez (Zuma 75’).

Polokwane’s line-up from their 3-2 win over Sundowns on January 6: Chigova, Semenya, Hlongwane, Maponyane, Mbonani, Seabi, Ramagalela, Phiri (Vilakazi 54’), Ndou, Maluleke, Musona (Booi 78’).