Can rejuvenated Chiefs cause an upset on rampant Downs?
Kaizer Chiefs hope to end the hoodoo spell that Mamelodi Sundowns seem to have lately over the Soweto giants.
Rampant Mamelodi Sundowns can expect a tough outing against a resurgent Kaizer Chiefs tomorrow afternoon (September 28) when the two sides battle it out for the three points at stake in the Betway Premiership at the FNB Stadium.
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After many moons in the soccer doldrums, Amakhosi, with no silverware and failing to qualify for the MTN 8 in the previous season, has comfortably won its two opening games of the new season, the first against Marumo Gallants 2–1 and the second against AmaZulu 3–1.
Masandawana on the other hand, opened the Betway season with a 2–0 victory over crosstown arch-rivals SuperSport United. Downs then claimed a 4-1 win against Gallants as they head to a titanic clash with Amakhosi in league match number three.
Speaking ahead of the titanic clash, Brazilians coach Manqoba Mngqithi cautioned against the misconception that the clash would be reminiscent of going to war. “We are not going into war with anyone but going to play just another match.”
Also read: Titanic Chiefs-Downs MTN 8 battle ends in stalemate
Mngqithi said he was well aware of the efforts of the new Chiefs coach Mohamed Nasreddine Nabi in reviving the fortunes of Abafana bokuthula noxolo and the dangers that might be posed by his former player Gaston Sirino.
“We will endeavour to neutralise all the dangers that Sirino might pose as he is our former player and we know him inside out but that does not mean we will concentrate on him alone. There are other players to watch out for,” Mngqithi said.
Nabi declined to address his tactics of the day and how he was going to use Sirino to punish his former club. “I am not at liberty to let the cat out of the bag regarding my tactics for the game.
“All I can tell you is that he will be one of the 11 players on the field for us just like any other. I am not going to put him on the spot for no apparent reason. I will allow him to play his normal game without pressure,” Nabi said.
With all said and done, the big question remains, will Chief end the good run that Masandawana has enjoyed lately over the Soweto giants? Only the 90 minutes of the September 28 game will tell.
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