Chiefs’ ‘Project Revival’ faces Chippa threat
KAIZER Chiefs might be enjoying a purple patch for the first time under coach Arthur Zwane, but they’ll undermine Chippa United at their peril.
‘Project Revival’ didn’t quite get off to an ideal start at Chiefs this season, with Zwane failing to quickly establish the foundation and footprint of the club.
But the mighty Amakhosi are starting to look the part, having won three league matches on the bounce.
That feat was propelled by towering striker Caleb Bimenyimana, who has racked up six goals in five games, including a hat-trick from the penalty spot.
Chiefs will head into the Moses Mabhida Stadium tonight hoping to continue with that winning streak. But that won’t come on a silver platter.
Before the international break, Chippa won two matches on the trot under an administrator masquerading as a coach, Morgan Mammila.
Chippa’s game plan is simple: park a double decker bus and catch the opponent on a break.
This worked against Orlando Pirates and Amazulu.
After beating Pirates, they’ll be eager to bring down another Soweto giant in Chiefs who want to get combinations and exploitation of pocket spaces right.
The responsibility will be pinned on Bimenyimana to continue his rich vein of form up front, but the Chiefs midfield needs to come to the fore.
Midfield duo Njabulo Blom and Yusuf Maart cannot afford to lose possession in either half.
They’ll have to protect the defence and string together passes.
The clash between Chiefs and Chippa will serve as a main attraction in Kwazulu-natal, with a derby in Umlazi earlier being the starter.
Richards Bay will host provincial rivals Maritzburg United at King Zwelithini Stadium, eager to topple Mamelodi Sundowns and climb to the top of the log.
The rookies are one point adrift of the perennial champions after 10 games. In their last match, Richards Bay bagged a point in Orlando – a great achievement for the team, given that the odds had tipped the Bucs to come out tops.
The Natal Rich Boys have experience and youth in their set-up. Kudos should go to former Pirates trio, striker Luvuyo Memela, midfielder Abel Mabaso and defender Ntsikelelo Nyauza, who have guided the youngsters.
Salim Magoola has been in fine form in goals as well – he’s conceded only three goals and kept seven clean sheets in 10 games.
The Team of Choice had a false start under coach John Maduka.
The wheels appear to be coming off after their recent 3-1 loss to Stellies.
This form triggered rumours that Lehlohonolo Seema could join them as an assistant, reassembling the gang that did well at Bloemfontein Celtic.