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Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs lock horns with Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday evening at the FNB Stadium.
It’s never a snooze-fest when Chiefs play Sundowns. It's a battle of coaching wits, a battle of talented players, and a battle of which coach has the most entertaining post match interview.
I happened to bump into a group of Mamelodi Sundowns fans at a bar in Pretoria, right after they had lost 2-1 to Kaizer Chiefs in October last year. Needless to say, they were fuming. If Kaizer Chiefs was an actual person he might have been assaulted if he walked into that establishment that night. I have come to realise nothing annoys a Sundowns supporter more than losing to Kaizer Chiefs, it makes their yellow blood boil.
They (Sundowns supporters) couldn't wait to get their second chance to compete against Amakhosi and now the time has come. Sundowns are the league leaders, Chiefs are third and currently playing their best football this season. After 90 minutes will it be #kaboyellow or will it be #khosiforlife?
Kaizer Chiefs
Yes, it is true, miracles do happen, Steve Komphela took charge of his 100th official game as head coach of Kaizer Chiefs with their 2-1 over Polokwane City on Saturday.
Most football experts, Chiefs supporters, and people with a brain have wondered why Komphela has had this job for that long. Of the 100 games in charge, Komphela has won 42, drew 34, and suffered defeats 24 times. That is a below par 42% win average plus he has yet to win a trophy in over two years.
It's squeaky bum time for Komphela because he is in his last year of his 3-year contract. Common sense would tell you his contract will not be renewed unless he wins at least one cup this season. However, you'd be silly and or brave to second guess any decisions by the Amakhosi management.
Chiefs started off the season poorly but, in their last five games, have collected 13 out of a possible 15 points. The signings of former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Leonardo Castro, playmaker Siphelele Ntshangase has strengthened the squad.
Mamelodi Sundowns
After a good run of wins at the back end of last year, the league leaders are still in the giving festive mood as they gifted wins to their opposition. Sundowns have collected only six out of a possible 15 points having lost three games and won only two (against relegation-threatened teams).
Second on the table, Cape Town City are only four points behind them, a loss to Kaizer Chiefs could see them be on top of the table by only one point by the end of the weekend.
New signings Aubrey Ngoma, Jeremy Brockie, and Siyabonga Zulu are very good attacking options for Pitso Mosimane but Mamelodi Sundowns are chock-a-block with those type of players, their main issues are at the back.
Record
Kaizer Chiefs last five games in the Absa Premiership
WWDWW (80% WIN PERCENTAGE)
Mamelodi Sundowns last five games in the Absa Premiership
WLWLL (40% WIN PERCENTAGE)
Prediction
BET.co.za has priced up this game as a tough one to call. A Kaizer Chiefs win at 1.50, a draw 2.00, and a Mamelodi Sundowns win at 1.75 - meaning any result is possible!
Even though Kaizer Chiefs did not start the league in good form they are still in third place, only five points behind Sundowns, with the same amount of games. Under Komphela Kaizer Chiefs have always been good defensively their problem has been scoring. With their new signings, it seems Chiefs are starting to create and convert more goal scoring chances.
Sundowns play the best attacking football in the league. The combination of Zwane, Tau, and Billiat (when Pitso decides to play him) is the best-attacking trio in the Absa Premiership. Pitso Mosimane and Khama Billiat relationship has been volatile. Pitso seems to be resigned to losing Billiat this transfer window to a richer, more attractive, taller suitor.
As good as they are going forward Sundowns are Leon Schuster on Panic Mechanic comical at the back. The Brazilians defence has been giving away more freebies than political parties in an election year. Their defence has conceded 8 in their last 5 games.
This game is going to be intense. There is a lot at stake. Komphela and Chiefs can't afford to lose because that will put them eight points behind Downs which might be a bit too many points for them to recover. Sundowns cannot afford to lose because that would put a rival back into contention.
Kaizer Chiefs are in good form but, I am still not
convinced, Komphela has these type of fruitless unbeaten runs every
season. If Billiat plays Sundowns will win
handsomely, he is that much of a difference maker. If he doesn't, I would still
foresee a Sundowns win.
