Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic has hinted he may rest star winger Siphiwe Tshabalala for Sunday's trip to sixth-placed Santos.

Amakhosi, who claimed second spot on the Premiership table following a 1-0 midweek win over neighbours Moroka Swallows, will face the Capetonians at Athlone Stadium.

And while Chiefs are determined to trim Orlando Pirates' two-point lead at the summit, Vermezovic says he is considering giving Tshabalala a break.

"There will be some changes to the team," he said after Wednesday night's Soweto derby at Loftus Versfeld.

"For 'Shabba', this was his fourth game in a short space of time. He also played for Bafana, so we must be careful of tiredness."

Regarding the title race, the Serbian added: "We are two points behind Pirates, but Ajax and Sundowns are also there. The race will be very interesting as there are still lots of games left.

"Tonight we will take a break and then tomorrow we will start preparing for Santos."

Vermezovic's preparations will be hampered by the unavailability of defender Dominic Isaacs and playmaker Mthokozisi Yende. Both players will serve one-match bans after receiving their third caution of the campaign against Swallows.