Benni McCarthy meets Steve Khompela in the pick of this weekend’s PSL fixture, Saturday 17 February, at the iconic FNB Stadium.
This weekend’s clash promises fireworks as both teams sit just seven points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, making this a pivotal battle for PSL supremacy. Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City are deadlocked on 31 points, each fresh from impressive Nedbank Cup performances.
Benni McCarthy has maintained a flawless record against Gavin Hunt, with his Citizens edging Bidvest Wits 1-0, while Kaizer Chiefs showcased dominance by thrashing Golden Arrows 3-0. Historically, these teams have locked horns four times, with Cape Town City leading with two wins, Amakhosi claiming one victory, and a single draw. Notably, former Chiefs striker Matthew Rusike, who scored on his City debut, is set to face his old club for the first time since moving to Europe.
Match Details:
ABSA Premiership
Saturday 17 February
FNB Stadium
Kick-off: 20:15
Odds to Win (90 mins)
Kaizer Chiefs 23/20
Draw 39/20
Cape Town City 26/10
Kaizer Chiefs:
Coach Steve Komphela believes his side is still in the title race despite trailing Mamelodi Sundowns by seven points. Amakhosi’s record of ten draws in twenty games is a concern, reflecting missed opportunities. However, recent goalscoring woes seem resolved, with Ryan Moon impressive in netting in four straight games, causing headaches with his aerial prowess. Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune delivered a Man of the Match performance against Golden Arrows. Midfielder Siphelele Ntshangase shines in playmaking though his finishing needs polish.
Fitness updates are crucial as George Maluleka and Gustavo Paez remain doubts. Komphela is boosted by the return of veteran Bernard Parker, who scored a calm goal against Arrows, and Ramahlwe Mphahlele’s comeback allowed Joseph Molangoane a more attacking role, yielding a goal.
Cape Town City:
The Citizens kickstarted their first-ever CAF Confederations Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Young Buffaloes in Swaziland, thanks to Nana-Akosah Bemba’s decisive strike. Despite captain Robyn Johannes’s ongoing PSL suspension, the defensive duo of Kwanda Mngonyama and Tshepo Gumede have kept clean sheets in their combined outings.
Matthew Rusike’s debut goal eliminated Bidvest Wits from the Nedbank Cup, and he arrives well rested for this marquee clash, having missed CAF registration cut-off. Key players like Teko Modise, Roland Putsche, and Thamsanqa Mkhize were rested in Swaziland, ensuring freshness. Modise’s brilliant midfield runs and passing earned him Man of the Match, and he’s expected to be a major threat. Thabo Nodada, the creative midfielder, may miss out due to a hamstring injury sustained against Sundowns.
Benni McCarthy is determined, stating, “I don’t have any preference of which competition to prioritise. I want to win every match.”
Prediction: Draw 39/20
Both sides boast dangerous attackers and their recent signings have made significant impacts. McCarthy’s squad tends to triumph with narrow 1-0 victories and has not scored more than once in their past 11 matches since the 4-2 loss to Maritzburg United. Chiefs’ tendency to draw matches suggests a stalemate is the most likely outcome in this intense fixture.
