Former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates stars Junior Khanye and Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi have predicted Amakhosi to suffer defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns this weekend.
Chiefs host Masandawana at FNB Stadium on Saturday in a highly anticipated Betway Premiership clash.
The Glamour Boys currently sit at the top of the league standings after winning their opening two matches of the season. However, Khanye remains unconvinced by what he has seen from his former club.
Speaking on iDiski TV, the former Chiefs midfielder questioned whether new head coach Fernando Da Cruz is effectively communicating his instructions to the players.
“I don’t think there’s coordination between the players and the coach. He needs an interpreter to translate. There are certain instructions that have to be given immediately,” Khanye said.
“The team is not stable. You see Thabo Moloisane getting benched by Zitha Kwinika. The combination of Kwinika and Miguel Inacio has not been tested. Their midfield is very static, there’s no movement.”
Sundowns tipped to beat Chiefs
Khanye was also critical of Sundowns despite their impressive squad and quality, suggesting that Miguel Cardoso’s tactical experiments have affected their performances.
“Since winning the star, his head has gotten bigger. He can’t be experimenting and making six changes,” he said.
Despite his criticism of both teams, Khanye believes Sundowns have enough quality to overcome Chiefs.
“In terms of quality, Sundowns are ahead. It might be 2-0 or 2-1, but Sundowns will win,” he added.
Vilakazi, meanwhile, believes Chiefs will need to adopt a more defensive approach if they are to stand any chance of taking points from the defending champions.
The former Pirates captain urged Da Cruz to seek advice from former Chiefs coaches who have successfully frustrated Sundowns in previous meetings.
“Fernando Da Cruz needs to call ex-Kaizer Chiefs coaches and ask them about the tactics they used to draw with Sundowns in the last game, in terms of their physicality and low block,” Vilakazi said.
He believes Chiefs must be physical and disciplined on defence, but ultimately backed Sundowns to claim victory.
Vilakazi predicted a 2-0 win for Masandawana.