Gallants can pile on the misery for lowly Chiefs
IF MARUMO Gallants are finally going to register their first win of the Dstv Premiership season, it will pile on the misery for Kaizer Chiefs, who presently are in unfamiliar territory in 14th place on the standings.
Gallants host Chiefs at their alternative home venue, Royal Bafokeng Stadium, this afternoon (Starts 3pm).
After a spate of draws, Gallants prop up the standings in 16th place and have five points from as many draws after six matches. Chiefs, after as many matches, have seven points, and should they lose, they will drop one place and Gallants will move from 16th to 14th place.
The teams last crossed paths in May this year, and Chiefs collected three points from that match after scoring a goal courtesy of Khama Billiat at FNB Stadium.
Coach Arthur Zwane will be looking to Billiat to repeat that feat and give the team a chance of winning.
The Zimbabwean showed some neat touches against Amazulu last week, and even had chances to open the scoring in the first half. However, his best effort was blocked by the defence after a fierce strike from just inside the area.
Billiat is yet to score after six appearances, although he has supplied a handful of assists.
Another player Zwane will be hoping for a stand-out performance from will be midfielder Yusuf Maart, who was impressive at the start of the season. He was an off-season signing from Sekhukhune United, and returned to the starting line-up against Amazulu after serving a suspension for his red card in the 1-0 win over Richards Bay.
He looked impressive in the middle of the park to keep the ball flowing for Chiefs, but was not able to stamp his authority on the match. It will be his sixth start in the Premiership and Gallants will be in big trouble if Maart makes an impact.
Gallants’ midfield has been carrying the side this season, and Phillip Ndlondlo and Sibusiso Khumalo have been working like trojans, mainly in attacking roles. Khumalo enjoys stalking into the team’s attack when the opportunity presents itself, and scored against Swallows. He picked up the “Man-of-the-match” award after getting off the mark for the season, with that being his first goal in 13 appearances for Gallants.
The diminutive Ndlondlo also has a penchant for attack, and Chiefs will have to keep an eye on him. He has excellent footwork and takes on defenders when he approaches the opposition’s goalmouth. He is the creative force in the Gallants team.
Chiefs have yet to win away from home this season, and despite being rock-bottom, Gallants are no pushovers, even though the club is in disarray. Frenchman Romain Folz, who replaced Dan Malesela during the off-season, resigned as head coach last week. Folz had been under great pressure after failing to win any of the first six games while he was at the helm.