Chiefs look to continue momentum; AmaZulu, Royal set for derby clash

Khama Billiat of Kaizer Chiefs celebrates goal during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 football match between Swallows FC and Kaizer Chiefs

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Dec 03, 2021. 10:00

Another busy weekend of DStv Premiership football is headlined by heavyweights Kaizer Chiefs looking to continue the momentum they have built in recent weeks, while AmaZulu and Royal AM will have their first-ever top-flight derby meeting.

Chiefs will be in action in one of five matches on Saturday 4 December, hosting Cape Town City at FNB Stadium in the early-evening kick-off and hoping to keep up their form which has seen them win five of their last seven league matches and emerge as the likeliest challengers for leaders and champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Amakhosi defeated Swallows FC 3-1 last weekend and look to be finding a level of understanding and efficiency under coach Stuart Baxter.

“The front three [Happy Mashiane, Keagen Dolly and Khama Billiat] with Bernard [Parker] included pressed in the first half which led to us getting chances. They found themselves with a bit of space and three goals was the result,” said Baxter of their showing against the Birds.

He added, “It’s a situation where the lads you think are starters have to make sure they are up for it. There is more competition which gives me a good problem.”

Saturday afternoon features three simultaneous games, the pick of which is a Durban derby between AmaZulu and Royal AM. Sparks are sure to fly between these two teams – which will be meeting in the Premiership for the first time – with Usuthu coach Benni McCarthy often quick to anger, and Thwihli Thwahla becoming renowned for their aggravating antics.

The night kick-off on Saturday sees Mamelodi Sundowns looking to continue their serene progress at the top of the log, as they head to Danie Craven Stadium face a Stellenbosch side which has gone off the boil after back-to-back losses (and a run of four games without victory).

“We are a team that is progressing. Sundowns are the benchmark in South African football. It will be a great challenge and a great test of our resilience having now lost two matches to come up against Sundowns,” said Stellies coach Steve Barker.

Sunday’s lone game sees SuperSport United host Sekhukhune United at Lucas Moripe Stadium, with the former looking to build on a 2-2 draw against Sundowns last weekend.

“The second-half performance was fantastic,” said SuperSport coach Kaitano Tembo of fighting back from 0-2 down against the Brazilians. “We showed character and came back to claim a point. For us to come back from two goals down and earn a point is encouraging. It will boost our confidence.”

DStv Premiership weekend fixtures

Times CAT

Saturday 4 December

15:30: Chippa United v Golden Arrows

15:30: AmaZulu v Royal AM

15:30: Swallows v Maritzburg United

18:00: Kaizer Chiefs v Cape Town City

20:15: Stellenbosch FC v Mamelodi Sundowns

Sunday 5 December

15:30: SuperSport United v Sekhukhune United