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By Sibongiseni Gumbi

Football Writer


Three players who could be key for Chiefs against Royal AM

“Winning things for the club and making a legacy so you can be remembered as a legend,” says Samkelo Zwane.


Kaizer Chiefs have it all to do against Royal AM in the Nedbank Cup quarter finals encounter on Sunday evening – the game starts at 6pm. 

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The match is set for Chatsworth Stadium, south of Durban on Sunday afternoon and promises to be a spectacle.

Chiefs are on a quest to end eight years of trophy drought, something youngster Samkelo Zwane feels will catapult them to legendary status at the club. 

Zwane, who was promoted to the senior team at the start of the current season, says he was his name to be remembered forever at Chiefs. 

 And the only way he feels that can happen is if he were to win some silverware with the club. 

“The history of the Club winning trophies is a big motivator,” said Zwane this week ahead of the crucial Cup encounter. 

“Being a Kaizer Chiefs player, in itself, is a motivator to lift trophies and win things for the club and make a legacy so you can be remembered as a legend,” added the 18-year-old. 

On their day, Chiefs can easily wallop Royal AM and stride to the next round where their biggest rivals Orlando Pirates are already lying in wait. 

Here we look at three players who could be key to Chiefs’ performance and result on Sunday evening. 

The defence had been erratic before he came in and formed a formidable partnership with Siyabonga Ngezana at the back. 

  1. Edmilson Dove – The central defender has been key in Chiefs’ defensive organisation since his signing earlier this season. 

But it was Dove’s mistake that cost Chiefs three points in a league game last weekend, proving how critical his contribution is. 

If Dove is in solid form, and the entire defence avoids unnecessary mistakes, half the job would be done for Amakhosi. 

Winning central midfield war is key for Chiefs

  1. Samkelo Zwane – The young midfielder has been a reliable and key factor in Arthur Zwane’s team and has made the central midfield position his own. 

His laid back approach allows the other midfielders around him – Siyethemba Sithebe or Yusuf Maart – the freedom to venture forward more. 

He has also started showing his keen eye for goal with some attempts in the last few games although they are yet to be successful. 

If he is able to deal with the Royal AM speedy attackers before they break into the Chiefs box, the job will be much easier. 

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  1. Keagan Dolly – The well-travelled and experienced attacker is the engine that drives Chiefs’ attack. 

All their forward movements seem to more than not rely on him. If he is on form, Chiefs will be able to create chances.