Kaizer Chiefs play a potential season-defining game on Sunday against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final.
The crucial fixture will be staged at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, with every team hoping to play either Marumo Gallants or defending champions Orlando Pirates in the final.
While Masandawana have been winning silverware every season for the last decade or so, things have not been well for the Glamour Boys. They have gone a decade without tasting any major trophy.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record
The Brazilians have a healthy 12-point lead in the Premier Soccer League and recently sealed their place in the Caf Champions League semi-final after eliminating Tunsian outfit Esperance in a two-legged affair.
The Glamour Boys are struggling to finish in the top eight of the Premier Soccer League table. They have not won any of their last four league games, which is a massive concern for all associated with the club.
In the head-to-head record, this is the fourth time this season the two teams are meeting. The Brazilians claimed a 4-0 win in the Nedbank Cup, coupled with a league double over the Soweto giants.
Amakhosi hope to get a win and at least boost their chances of winning silverware after years of drought.
What They Said
Sundowns tactician Miguel Cardoso has warned his players against underrating the Glamour Boys.
“As we approach the final of the competition, obviously the level of our opponents rises and we need to pay strong attention. We played them in the league. It was a very difficult match, always a strong team well-coached by [Nasreddine] Nabi,” he said in a pre-match interview.
“We need to take ourselves to the limit to win the match and go into the final of this competition. We need to push the club to the highest level of capacity to play to overcome the difficulties that naturally will appear during 90 minutes,” he concluded.
Coach Nasreddine Nabi says his main job is to make the fans happy as he works on making Chiefs among the best in the country.
“The only pressure I have is from the fans. When I am outside, I try to do my best to make them happy. Life here in SA is too expensive, so I need to make them happy to forget that life is expensive,” the Tunisian stated.
“We play to win, but there’s no pressure inside because the project is under way. We agreed with the board that the process will take two or three years, and after those years, then we’ll be a better team that can play for cups and even for CAF tournaments.”
Team News and Possible XI
The Brazilians have not confirmed any new injuries, but the likes of Themba Zwane and Mothobi Mvala are working on their fitness.
The Glamour Boys are expected to have Tashreeq Morris and Thabo Cele ready for the fixture after missing a couple of matches due to an injury.
Sundowns Probable XI: Williams, Mudau, Lunga, Kekana, Suarez, Mokoena, Allende, Adams, Shalulile, Ribeiro, Rayners
Chiefs Probable XI: Bvuma, Solomons, Dove, Miguel, Msimango, Cele, Ngcobo, Sirino, Mmodi, Duba, Morris
Where to Watch
The game will be live on SuperSport's PSL channel 202 and SABC1 on Sunday from 18.00 hours SAT.
