Amakhosi

Kaizer Chiefs are welcoming Cape Town City for their Absa Premiership date on Saturday night at FNB Stadium.

Kick-off is at 8:15pm.

The Amakhosi are fresh from a convincing start in the Nedbank Cup, beating Golden Arrows last weekend and will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run in all competitions.

In their previous two league games, Steve Komphela’s men drew against Mamelodi Sundowns, followed by a 1-1 draw against Bidvest Wits before beating Arrows last weekend.

Heading to this clash, the Soweto giants are motivated after securing a 2-0 win over the Citizens in the first round in the Mother City.

Chiefs sit at No 4 on the table with 31 points.

Checking Benni McCarthy’s side, City also come to Gauteng with their eyes set on bagging a win to move up the log table.

They are fresh from wins in the Nedbank Cup and CAF Confederation Cup over Wits and Swaziland’s Young Buffaloes FC last week respectively.

On the log table, they sit at fifth spot with 31 points and will be chasing a win to narrow the gap on the Brazilians at the top of the table.

Previous Starting XI:

Kaizer Chiefs: Khune, Moleko, Cardoso, Katsande, Maluleka, Mathoho, Ngezana, Tshabalala, Paez, Moon, Zulu

Cape Town City: Stephens, Mkhize, Johannes, Fielies, Edmilson, Martin, Putsche, Modise, Lakay, Nodada, Masina

Head-to-Head:

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2016/17 Chiefs 1-1 CTC Katsande; Sim

2016/17 CTC 3-2 Chiefs Ngoma, Manyama, Moseamedi; Tshabalala, Molangoane

2017/18 CTC 0-2 Chiefs Tshabalala, Meyiwa

LEAGUE RECORD (since 2016/17)

Home Away Total

P W D L GF GA P W D L GF GA P W D L GF GA

Chiefs 1 0 1 0 1 1 Chiefs 2 1 0 1 4 3 Chiefs 3 1 1 1 5 4

CTC 2 1 0 1 3 4 CTC 1 0 1 0 1 1 CTC 3 1 1 1 4 5

What the teams are saying:

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala:

“It’s the reality of football that when you are not doing well and things are not working out there is nothing that can be done except for change,” said Tshabalala.

“But at the moment we love the coach and we are working for him and we want him to stay.

“We believe he is the right coach and the only way we can keep him here is by winning trophies.

“It’s not desperation, but a situation we find ourselves in. We are not thinking about the coach leaving for now, we are focusing on winning the trophies because that’s the only thing missing.

“It’s going to be a tough game against Cape Town City, but an exciting and open one too. City want to play and we want to play. They will not come here for a point and we also need every point now because it is the final lap.”

Cape Town City midfielder Teko Modise:

“I know my limits and strengths. The team allows me to express myself. This makes me enjoy football again,” said Modise.

“When your team supports you, you end up playing well. The passion is there irrespective of results.

“The nice thing about it all is that we have not been out of the top eight bracket so far this season.

“We’ve always been among the top five, which is a plus. We’re a team that is competing. The league is still open, anyone can try to win it. We are still in the race.

“But for now we will take each game as it comes and look forward to Chiefs. It would be nice if a team like Cape Town City can win the league – to us it would mean a lot.”

Key players for Kaizer Chiefs:

Ramahlwe Mphahlele:

Mphahlele is looking for his first gold medal with Chiefs. His experience is vital for the hosts as they challenge for league honours.

Bernard Parker:

He has returned from injury with a bang and was on the scoresheet against Arrows last weekend. His ability to trick defenders will be a threat for City.

Key players for Cape Town City:

Thamsanqa Mkhize:

The solid defender has been a reliable member of the squad and will be hoping to continue delivering fine performances. Battling against the left wing players for Chiefs will be great to watch.

Teko Modise:

The former Bafana Bafana midfielder is one of the best midfielders in the league. His ability to pass the ball and manage the game will be vital on the day.