Chiefs eyeing SuperSport scalp
Kaizer Chiefs will want to get their first 2017/18 Absa Premiership win when they host SuperSport United in their first home game of the season at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm.
Fresh from a disappointing 1-1 draw against Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday, Amakhosi are aware that a win at home will boost their morale.
Moreover, the two sides are meeting for the second time in two weeks. They first met in the MTN8 quarterfinal a week ago as United won 1-0.
Eric Tinkler's side will also want to erase their disappointing weekend when they lost 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Previous starting XI
Kaizer Chiefs v Bloemfontein Celtic: Khuzwayo, Mphahlele, Gordinho, Mathoho, Masilela, Buchanan, Katsande, Ekstein, Tshabalala, Parker, Páez
SuperSport United v Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Daniels, Kekana, Gould, Letsholonyane, Furman, Modiba, Phala, Grobler, Brockie, Mnyamane
What the teams are saying
SuperSport United midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane:
“The guys are good to go, the mood is high in the camp. The loss against Sundowns is behind us now,” said Letsholonyane.
“I think we didn't play badly against Sundowns, but it's one of those games in football where you lose but we must keep our heads high.
“Look, I think Chiefs are out to get a win at home after drawing against Celtic, but we have to be cautious this time around.
“We cannot afford to allow them to dominate as they did in the MTN8, if we do that, they will definitely punish us.
“However, I must say that we are looking forward to a good game of football and we want to win our first match in the league.”
Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker:
“We just minimise the mistakes we make and focus more on ourselves. We should have the upper hand against SuperSport,” said Parker.
“We are the better team. We just lack at present that ‘little bit’… I am not sure how to explain that, but we will get there. We just need to take control of the game come Wednesday.
“This match should be a definite three points for us. Although, of course, we should focus on getting three points for every game we play, no matter how it comes.”
Key players for SuperSport United
Jeremy Brockie: Known as the sniper, Brockie will be expected to bring his ‘A game’ when they visit Amakhosi. He netted a vital goal in their Wafa Wafa match in Durban. The New Zealand international is dangerous when left unmarked.
Morgan Gould: One of the experienced defenders in the league, Gould is set to be a key figure for the club. Gould was the man of the match in Durban and will once again hope to provide stability at the back for United.
Key players for Kaizer Chiefs:
Gustavo Paez: The nippy forward is a dangerous man when given space and his partnership with Bernard Parker is set to be a headache to many defenders. He will now want to open his 2017/18 account with a goal or two at home come match day.
Erick Mathoho: The lanky centre back, as always, will be a vital cog at the back for the Soweto giants and after scoring against Siwelele last Sunday, his morale is definitely on a high. Mathoho is a key weapon for Chiefs during set pieces.