Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu has called on Amakhosi to claim maximum points when they face Golden Arrows at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday, 20 September.
Kaizer Chiefs remain unbeaten after six Betway Premiership matches, with three wins and three draws, but they will be wary of a Golden Arrows side that has already beaten them this season.
Golden Arrows knocked Kaizer Chiefs out of the MTN8 in August, handing Amakhosi their only defeat of the campaign so far.
Draw last weekend
Kaizer Chiefs were held to a 1-1 draw by Polokwane City last weekend, leaving them fourth on the league table with 12 points.
At the top of the standings are Mamelodi Sundowns on 20 points, meaning Kaizer Chiefs currently trail the league leaders by eight points. They have, however, played two fewer matches than Masandawana.
Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu are both on 16 points after six and seven matches, respectively.
Kaizer Chiefs need maximum points
Ndlovu believes Sunday’s fixture is an important opportunity for Kaizer Chiefs to close the gap on the teams above them.
“We were disappointed not to get the win against Polokwane but we have had a week to prepare for this one,” Ndlovu said.
“It’s very important for us to go into the break on the back of a positive result.”
Kaizer Chiefs wary of Golden Arrows
Ndlovu expects another difficult battle against Abafana Bes’thende, describing them as a possession-based team capable of hurting opponents on the counter-attack.
“They are a possession-based side that is also dangerous in transition so they are tricky to play against,” he said.
“But we have our own tactical plan that will nullify their strengths and pose them problems.”
Kaizer Chiefs will have to cope without captain Brandon Petersen and striker Wandile Duba, who have both picked up injuries.
Ndlovu, however, believes Amakhosi have enough depth to overcome the setbacks.
“They are two important players in our team but in football you have to deal with unforeseen circumstances,” he said.
“We are a squad and every player has to be ready to step up when needed.”
‘We want those three points’
With Kaizer Chiefs already eight points off the summit, Ndlovu says victory is essential if they are to remain in the title conversation.
“If we want to stay in the title race, this game is vital to us continuing our journey,” he said.
“Whether we win in style or by grinding it out, we want those three points on Sunday.”
The match will be played at Mbombela Stadium, giving Kaizer Chiefs the opportunity to enjoy strong support despite technically being the away side.
Ndlovu has urged Amakhosi supporters to turn out in numbers.
“We are going to need them to give us the extra edge away from home that could make the difference for us,” he said.
Tickets are available through Computicket and at Shoprite and Checkers outlets for R100.
Kick-off is at 15:00.
Prediction
Golden Arrows 1-1 Kaizer Chiefs
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