Chiefs face stern Baroka challenge

Kaizer Chiefs will hope to retain the full three points and claim their first league win over the high-flying Baroka FC in the Absa Premiership on Saturday evening at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Kick-off is at 6:00pm.

Amakhosi are still searching for consistency as they have been blowing hot and cold so far, but coach Steve Komphela will motivate his men.

The Soweto giants are fresh from a 0-0 draw against Golden Arrows last weekend at home, but were victorious against Maritzburg United and also drew against Bidvest Wits at home.

However, a match against the Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele is always a challenge for them, but they will want a win in front of their Durban fans.

Looking at coach Kgoloko Thobejane's side, they have had one of their best starts in the elite division so far as they are yet to taste defeat in 2017/18 after six games.

In their previous three matches, Baroka have bagged two wins and one draw, they beat Free State Stars and Bloemfontein Celtic, but shared the spoils against Ajax Cape Town last weekend.

Sitting at the top of the log table is a huge motivator for Baroka and they will want to keep their fine form intact as well also using technical director, Doctor Khumalo's insight on Amakhosi.

Previous starting XI

Kaizer Chiefs: Khune, Moleko, Mathoho, Cardoso, Zulu, Katsande, Malope, Ekstein, Jayiya, Tshabalala, Paez

Baroka FC: Vries, Shaku, Matloga, Ntshangase, Banda, Moeti, Masenamela, Mothupa, Madubanya, Mdantsane, Nguzana

Head-to- Head

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2016/17 Chiefs 0-0 Baroka

2016/17 Baroka 2-2 Chiefs (Letsoalo, Kunene; Mathoho, Parker (pen)

LEAGUE RECORD (since 2016/17)

Home Away Total

P W D L GF GA P W D L GF GA P W D L GF GA

Chiefs 1 0 1 0 2 2 Chiefs 1 0 1 0 0 0 Chiefs 2 0 2 0 2 2

Baroka 1 0 1 0 0 0 Baroka 1 0 1 0 2 2 Baroka 2 0 2 0 2 2

What the teams are saying:

Kaizer Chiefs defender Erick Mathoho:

“It’s good to be back and it was also fantastic to keep a clean sheet (against Arrows) at the back, as that’s always important,” said Mathoho.

“They (Baroka) have been doing well. It promises to be an interesting but tough game - I can’t wait until Saturday.

“I love to play in Durban. We always enjoy that special vibe in the stadium, as a result, we push ourselves to make them happy.”

Baroka FC technical director Doctor Khumalo:

The truth is I realised I had to leave Chiefs to grow and learn. I knew I would have to be on the other side against them (Chiefs),” said Khumalo.

“But they understand I work elsewhere now, so sure, my aim is to help Baroka win. We’ve worked well with the technical team so far.

“There’s a fresh understanding and my role is to bring in new ideas and approach. Everyone now understands the modern way of doing things.”

Key players for Kaizer Chiefs:

Willard Katsande: The no-nonsense Zimbabwean midfielder will be the man to provide leadership in the middle of the park. His guidance on youngsters such as Wiseman Meyiwa and Kgotso Malope will be key as well as cleaning the dirt in the midfield.

Hendrick Ekstein: The creative midfielder is slowly making his way into the starting eleven and will now want to offer a fine display in Durban. His ability spread the passes and penetrate the opposite half is what Amakhosi will want on the day.

Key players for Baroka FC:

Richard Matloga: The experienced midfielder was also on the scoresheet last Saturday against Ajax. He will be hoping to find the back of the net once again and ensure they keep their unbeaten league record against Chiefs.

Lewis Macha: The Zambian international has a huge task ahead of him when it comes to facing his former club. Although he did not make his mark at Naturena, he will be hoping to show his worth on Saturday after scoring against Ajax last weekend.