Our soccer pundit previews the PSL gameweek 24 fixture where Kaizer Chiefs face AmaZulu on Saturday the 17th of March.
ABSA Premiership
Kaizer Chiefs v AmaZulu
Saturday 17 March
FNB Stadium 18:00
The PSL brings us an intense clash as Kaizer Chiefs host AmaZulu in what has traditionally been a one-sided fixture. AmaZulu last triumphed over the Chiefs in 2007, but with Cavin Johnson now at the helm – a coach who boasts an excellent track record against Amakhosi – this encounter promises a much sterner challenge for the home side. Earlier this season these two battled to a goalless draw, showcasing how evenly matched they can be.
For Kaizer Chiefs, the title hopes are dwindling as they trail by eight points with only seven matches left, while AmaZulu are fiercely contesting for survival and aiming to break into the top eight. Though both teams have struggled for form lately, a win here would be a massive confidence booster for either side.
To Win (90 mins)
Kaizer Chiefs 6/10
Draw 24/10
AmaZulu 5/1
Kaizer Chiefs
Under Steve Komphela, the Chiefs have faced a couple of tough results recently, including a 3-1 loss to Orlando Pirates and two matches without a win in the league. However, they bounced back in the Nedbank Cup with a narrow 2-1 victory over Stellenbosch, advancing to the quarter-finals. Their defence remains solid, conceding more than one goal on only three occasions this season, thanks to stalwarts like goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and rock-solid centre-back Daniel Cardoso, who shone against Stellenbosch. Upfront, Leonardo Castro and Bernard Parker stepped up in Ryan Moon’s absence and forged a promising partnership. The midfield misses the energy of George Maluleka, still sidelined with an ankle injury, and centre-back Siyabonga Ngezana also missed last week, but Eric Mathoho’s impressive performances including a goal offer Komphela some pleasant selection dilemmas.
Komphela is optimistic, feeling the Nedbank Cup win will relieve pressure from their recent derby disappointment and propel them forward. “We will take this win to the next match, because after a win one goes to the next match with less pressure,” he shared.
AmaZulu
AmaZulu find themselves in a precarious 13th place with 27 points from 23 fixtures, having recently gone three games without a win. Tensions flared after a disappointing Nedbank Cup exit to Ubuntu Cape Town, with club owner Patrick Sokhela confronting coach Cavin Johnson, fuelling speculation about the coach’s future. However, this exit might actually be a silver lining as AmaZulu face challenging opponents like SuperSport United and Ajax Cape Town below them. The club has also been fined after fans caused disruptions during their 3-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns. Among AmaZulu’s squad are four former Chiefs players: Mabhuti Khenyeza, Siyabonga Nomvethe, Camaldine Abraw, and Ovidy Karuru, with Khenyeza showing his mettle last match to spark a comeback attempt. The veteran Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune remains favourite to start over former AmaZulu keeper, Brilliant Khuzwayo.
Verdict: Kaizer Chiefs Win (6/10)
AmaZulu have a habit of inconsistent performances, often dominating one half but fading in the other. The Chiefs might not be clinical in front of goal but their solid defensive play and experience in set pieces give them the edge. It will be tough for AmaZulu to breach the Chiefs’ disciplined backline, and expect Amakhosi to capitalize on their chances to secure a vital home win.
