Kaizer Chiefs will look to turn their fortunes around when they return to Betway Premiership action in two weeks’ time.
Amakhosi have managed four draws in their last five matches, a run that has seen them lose ground on title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. The two teams have opened up a six-point and seven-point gap over Chiefs, respectively.
Their next assignment, however, will not be an easy one as they prepare to host an unpredictable Stellenbosch FC side. Stellies head coach Gavin Hunt has proven to be a thorn in Kaizer Chiefs’ side dating back to his days at SuperSport United.
Earlier this season, Hunt guided his team to back-to-back victories over Amakhosi, results that ultimately saw Chiefs crash out of the Nedbank Cup and lose further ground in the league title race.
However, the former SuperSport United mentor no longer has some of the key players who helped him get the better of Chiefs earlier in the campaign. Despite this, Stellenbosch remain a difficult team to play against, although Amakhosi will enjoy home-ground advantage.
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz could also receive a timely boost with the potential return of injured players, including Khanyisa Mayo, Langelihle Phili and Flavio Silva.
The FIFA international break may have come at the right time for Amakhosi, giving the squad an opportunity to recover, regroup and prepare for a crucial run of fixtures as they look to return to winning ways.
Kaizer Chiefs have to battle Orlando Pirates
With the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates coming later this month, Chiefs will need to find their rhythm quickly. Dropping more points before that encounter could make their task of closing the gap on their rivals even more difficult.
For Da Cruz and his men, the upcoming clash against Stellenbosch presents an important opportunity to get their campaign back on track ahead of one of the biggest fixtures on the South African football calendar.