Kaizer Chiefs will be counting on the euphoria of their win over Mamelodi Sundowns to secure maximum points away to Chippa United on Saturday.
Chiefs return to league action at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium when they visit a tricky Chippa side and are buoyed by their 2-1 comeback win over Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final.
Nasreddine Nabi’s team displayed remarkable resilience that has not been witnessed this season when they came from a goal down to stun Sundowns and advance to the final, where they will meet bitter rivals Orlando Pirates.
Now, Nabi hopes that they can translate the same fighting spirit into the PSL where they have been very poor.
Form guide
Chiefs come into the match without a win in the league in four matches, having played teams they should easily have beaten.
Before facing Sundowns, Chiefs had played Cape Town City and drawn, lost back-to-back to Richards Bay and Golden Arrows, before another draw, this time against TS Galaxy.
That pegged them back further as they are stuck in eighth position on 30 points from 24 matches, eight behind third-placed Stellenbosch FC, where they were hoping to get.
Meanwhile, Chippa have two wins and a draw over that period with just one defeat, which means Chiefs have their work cut out on Saturday.
There is also the motivation of knowing that Chippa can move above Chiefs with a win as they have 29 points in ninth place.
Head-to-head
However, Chiefs can draw inspiration from the fact that they have not lost to Chippa this season, having beaten them twice already.
Amakhosi secured a 1-0 win in the PSL in December before a 3-0 thrashing in the Nedbank Cup in February which should act as a catalyst for them on Saturday.
Overall, Chippa have proved to be an easy opponent for Chiefs, who have won seven of their last 10 meetings with the Chilli Boys, with one ending in a draw.
Team News
Chiefs will likely field the same team that beat Sundowns with defenders Rushwin Dortley and Miguel Inacio missing through injury while striker Tashreeq Morris will likely return.
Meanwhile, Chippa will count on Chiefs target in goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali who will be expected to repel any danger.
Time and where to watch
The match will kick off at 17:30 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday and will be live on SuperSport TV (202). Tickets can be purchased at Webtickets and Pick n' Pay for R60 each.
Kaizer Chiefs Predicted XI
Bvuma, Solomons, Cross, Msimango, Dove, Cele, Maart, Sirino, Lilepo, Duba, Du Preez
