Key match-ups in Chiefs vs Sundowns
KAIZER Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns clash in unfamiliar circumstances tomorrow with the Brazilians already crowned DStv Premiership champions and awaiting their guard of honour.
The Amakhosi have had a fairly disappointing season, the dismissal of their ex-mentor Stuart Baxter deemed imminent as they bowed out of all competitions in disappointing fashion.
While this battle at the FNB Stadium may mean little for Sundowns’ campaign, it is however of great significance to Chiefs who still have an outside chance of clinching a CAF Champions League place by finishing in second place.
These two clubs are built on a winning mentality and success, therefore the bragging rights of this encounter also come into the fold. IOL Sport’s Smiso Msomi takes a look at some of the key match-ups.
Siyabonga Ngezana vs Peter Shalulile
To even suggest that any single defender in the premiership could be shouldered with the responsibility of keeping ‘Sha Sha’ at bay is a bizarre statement.
The Namibian international is on a personal conquest as he chases down a 17-year-old record of 25 goals in a single season that is held by ex-Chiefs man Collins Mbesuma.
If anyone in that Chiefs backline can keep Shalulile quiet, it’s Ngezana. The 24-year-old defender has withstood all calamity around him as his partners struggle for form and discipline and has been a mainstay in the Amakhosi defence since his return from injury.
Keagan Dolly vs Lyle Lakay
Dolly was recently described by interim coach Arthur Zwane as one
of the only two ‘explosive’ players
Chiefs have, and if the hosts want to get anything against Sundowns, Dolly may be the go to man.
Speaking of explosive left-footed players, Lyle Lakay will have to be on Dolly duty as his defensive capabilities will be put to the test.
Lakay is undoubtedly the best left back in the country at the moment but while his primary objective might be at the back, it is his return up front that makes him one of Sundowns’ most dangerous players.
Andile Jali vs Phathu Nange
Matches of high quality and significance are frequently won or lost in the middle of the park. The ability to claim dominance and dictate the tempo and patterns of play sets up the entire team well enough to be able to claim victory.
Jali, who is contender for Footballer of the Season, will look to continue his fine form in the middle of the park and ultimately sway this tie in the way of the visitors.
Nange, however, will have the harder job of attempting to stop a Sundowns midfield trio that is always glittering with stars, the key though being unsettling Jali in those 50/50 battles.