Chiefs face Sundowns test

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Sep 27, 2024. 13:00

A crunch clash between giants Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns is the headline fixture of a full round of weekend action in South Africa’s Betway Premiership.

Chiefs and ‘Downs will meet at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with the clash set to be a stern test of the progress the former team has made under new coach Nasreddine Nabi. Thus far, the Amakhosi have beaten Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu FC, with the latter victory arriving on Wednesday night at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Chiefs raced into a 3-0 lead inside the opening half-hour against Usuthu, playing some outstanding football, but they took their foot off the pedal for the remainder of the game – something they are unlikely to get away with against the reigning league champions.

Sundowns, meanwhile, have also racked up two successive wins at the start of the league campaign, thrashing Marumo Gallants 4-1 on Tuesday to ensure they sit at the top of the log on goal difference.

Despite the Brazilians’ impressive performance in midweek, coach Manqoba Mngqithi has warned that they are still running in lower gears compared to what he knows this team is capable of.

“The atmosphere, attitude, mentality towards what we are trying to achieve is very clear that every player understands what we are trying to do but in terms of the system, we are not yet at the level where I want us to be,” said the ‘Downs boss.

“We are still playing in moments, we are not consistent and our positional play sometimes is still questionable, but we are improving with every match.”

Saturday will also feature Golden Arrows away to Sekhukhune United; Magesi FC host Royal AM; Cape Town City will look to bounce back from their humbling midweek defeat in the derby against Stellenbosch FC when they host SuperSport United; and at least one of the bottom two of AmaZulu and Marumo Gallants will register their first point(s) of the season when they meet at the Free State Stadium.

Sunday features a trio of matches, with Chippa United and Polokwane City playing host to TS Galaxy and Stellenbosch FC respectively, while most focus will fall on Orlando Pirates’ clash away to Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

The Buccaneers are chasing a sixth successive win across all competitions, and looked in fine shape on Tuesday when they blew away Polokwane City 3-0 in Soweto – with coach Jose Riveiro delighted at his squad’s depth and adaptability.

“I’m happy with the contribution from the bench one more time. It was crucial… Like everybody who is not in the starting eleven, it’s difficult, but the people who are coming from the bench are showing that they are ready to die for the team even if they [only] get a minute,” said the Spanish tactician.

This weekend’s Betway Premiership action will be the last before a recess of almost a month which will encompass the MTN8 final, an international window and the start of the Carling Knockout cup competition.

Betway Premiership weekend fixtures

Times CAT

Saturday 28 September

15:00: Kaizer Chiefs v Mamelodi Sundowns

15:00: Sekhukhune United v Golden Arrows

17:30: Magesi FC v Royal AM

20:00: Cape Town City v SuperSport United

20:00: Marumo Gallants v AmaZulu FC

Sunday 29 September

15:00: Richards Bay v Orlando Pirates

15:00: Chippa United v TS Galaxy

17:30: Polokwane City v Stellenbosch FC