Leonardo Castro faces his former side when Chiefs host Sundowns at the FNB Stadium this weekend.
The much-anticipated showdown between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns hits the iconic FNB Stadium this Saturday, promising an exhilarating spectacle for all soccer fans. These are two titans of South African football, packed with top-tier talent ready to light up the pitch.
Both Amakhosi and Masandawana have strengthened their squads in the transfer window, and with the new signings settled in, this clash will be fought fiercely. Steve Komphela’s side holds a 2-1 winning streak over Pitso Mosimane’s teams in their last two meetings. This weekend presents the perfect opportunity for Mosimane – fondly known as ‘Jingles’ – to turn the tables, unless Chiefs continue their streak with a third straight victory over Sundowns.
Match Outcome Odds (90 minutes):
- Kaizer Chiefs 31/20
- Draw 2/1
- Mamelodi Sundowns 18/10
Kaizer Chiefs
Following their remarkable 2-1 away victory at Baroka FC, Chiefs climbed into third place in the ABSA Premiership standings. The win was historic – their first over Bakgaga – thanks largely to new signing Leonardo Castro, who smashed in a crucial goal after coming off the bench. However, Chiefs will be without Joseph Molangoane for the Sundowns match, as he was sent off.
Fortunately, former Sundowns defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele is back to strengthen the defence – a valuable asset in the PSL. Currently five points behind Sundowns, Chiefs have been in superb form late last year and into this season, remaining unbeaten in five games, winning four. Though Komphela may not be a fan favourite at Naturena, he’s crafted a winning formula with solid backing.
Young defender Siyabonga Ngezana is expected to return, bringing sunny memories of his debut goal against Sundowns. Midfield dynamo Siphelele Ntshangase will be roaming alongside Zimbabwean maestro Willard Katsande, who recently expressed confidence in the team’s championship aspirations.
“I think this might be the turning point also after coming back from a goal down in two consecutive matches it means this is a championship mentality and performance,” Katsande said.
“The youngsters we have now are full of purpose. As the senior players, we’re guiding them to understand what winning with a big team like Chiefs feels like,” he added.
If they maintain this momentum, a PSL title could well be within reach.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Sundowns extended their lead at the top of the table to four points with an emphatic 3-0 away win against Platinum Stars. Khama Billiat stole the show with two brilliant free-kicks, taking his total goals for the club to 43. Sundowns’ official Twitter even sent a cheeky warning to rival defenders, featuring new signings Aubrey Ngoma, Jeremy Brockie, and Gaston Sirino.
Though the new trio debuted from the bench against Dikwena, their presence highlights the incredible squad depth of the reigning champions. With stalwarts like Hlompho Kekana also available off the bench, the Sundowns squad is formidable.
Despite dropping three of their last five games, Sundowns possess a quality that’s tough to beat. From the goalkeeper to the striker and all the way to the manager, ‘Masandawana’ are a force. Percy Tau, one of the hottest talents locally, hopes to form a striking partnership with Ngoma and Brockie reminiscent of the old ‘CBD’ days.
Jingles is well aware of the challenge Chiefs pose, and dives into tactics to outsmart them this weekend.
“We need to be smart against Chiefs,” Mosimane shared.
“We mustn’t be all over the place and avoid playing into their hands since we’re playing away. Somebody has to attack,” he concluded.
Only Polokwane City have completed a double over Sundowns this season, and Mosimane will be eager to avoid a repeat of that feat.
Probable Starting Line-ups:
Kaizer Chiefs: 3-4-3
Khune; Cardoso, Ngezana, Hadebe; Mphahlele, Katsande, Ntshangase, Zulu; Tshabalala, Moon, Castro.
Mamelodi Sundowns: 4-2-3-1
Onyango; Madisha, Soumahoro, Nascimento, Langerman; Kekana, Manyisa; T. Zwane, Tau, Ngoma; Brockie
Predicted Winner: Mamelodi Sundowns (18/10)
Backing against Sundowns this weekend is a big gamble. Their clinical 3-0 victory over Platinum Stars showed just how lethal they can be. Featuring formidable players like Brockie, Ngoma, Tau, and Zwane, Chiefs face a tall order to pull off another double on Sundowns. Chiefs have won only 2 out of 8 at home, while Sundowns boast 7 wins from 9 away fixtures in the PSL.
