Who can inspire Chiefs to victory?
FOLLOWING a disappointing 2018/19 domestic season, Kazier Chiefs are under pressure to deliver in the next campaign. And nothing will boost their confidence more than a win over their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates. The two Soweto giants clash for the bragging rights of the eighth edition of the Carling Black Label Carling Cup at FNB Stadium on Saturday (3pm). The public voting lines to select the starting line-ups closed last night and we profiled three Chiefs’ players who have what it takes to inspire their team to their fourth Carling Cup title.
LAZAROUS KAMBOLE – STRIKER
Signed from Zambian giants Zesco United, Kambole will get the chance to showcase to Chiefs supporters – and the Premier Soccer League in general – what he’ll bring to the team next season. Kambole boasts an impressive CV, having inspired Zesco to the semi-finals and group stage of the CAF Champions League in 2016 and 2018 respectively. However, it was his impressive exploits against Amakhosi in the final round of the preliminary stages of the CAF Confederation Cup last season that successfully lured the club’s management to bring him to the PSL. The 30-year-old Zambian will be banking on an impressive performance this weekend to inspire him to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Wedson Nyirenda and Collins Mbesuma who have previously led Chiefs’ attack with distinction.
KHAMA BILLIAT – ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
He might be considered hot property in North Africa and the Middle East, but Billiat remains a Chiefs player and will be hoping to continue churning out his best in the famous gold and black jersey, regardless of what may happen later in the transfer window. Sure, Billiat may have endured an underwhelming performance with the Warriors of Zimbabwe in the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations tournament, but it was his individual performances that caught the attention of the Arabs, while sending a strong message to the PSL opposition for next season. For Billiat, to play at the packed FNB Stadium, while donning the gold and jersey of Amakhosi, has been a childhood dream. As a result, he’ll be hoping to continue where he left off in his last Soweto derby – the Zimbabwean superstar having won the penalty that got Chiefs their goal in their one-all draw with Pirates.
JOSEPH MALONGOANE – MIDFIELDER
Having spent more time in Chiefs’ medical room than on the field last season – after Free State Stars’ Makhehlene Makhaula’s tackle dislocated his right ankle – Malongoane will want confidence from the pre-season matches. Furthermore, that confidence would surely overflow if it were to also come via beating Pirates in a packed to the rafters pre-season friendly. The 31-year-old has a bitter-sweet relationship with the Buccaneers having spent the 2013/14 season with the club before being loaned out to Chippa United. Considering it is his first pre-season under current coach Ernst Middendorp, Malongoane will be out to prove to the German tactician that his versatility of also playing as a right wing-back could benefit the team as they are under pressure to avoid a five-year barren run.